BGN: News of Students in Aceh Dying because of Hoaks MBG

JAKARTA - The National Nutrition Agency (BGN) said that the information that students died allegedly due to poisoning Free Nutritious Meals (MBG) at the Nutrition Fulfillment Service Unit (SPPG) of Bireun Regency, Aceh, was hoaxes or untrue.

Deputy Head of BGN Nanik Sudaryati Deyang emphasized the importance of the public to be careful and check further uploads on social media and not immediately believe information that is not necessarily true.

"That's hoaxes. Be careful not to believe it right away," said Nanik as quoted by ANTARA, Monday, March 2.

Nanik said that his party continued to improve the management of the MBG Program by temporarily dismissing the ataususpendSPPG who was proven to have caused the food poisoning case.

"SPPG that has been proven to cause food safety incidents will be immediately suspended," he said.

Previously, a netizen on the X social media uploaded a video that was narrated as two students died of MBG poisoning with a bakso menu at SPPG Simpang Mamplam, Bireuen Regency.

In the video, it can be seen that the police officers are sealing the MBG kitchen because it has caused poisoning. However, BGN ensures that there are no deaths as narrated in the video.

BGN continues to strengthen synergy with the Ministry of Communication and Digital (Kemkomdigi) to counteract hoaxes and disinformation related to the MBG Program.

Head of the Legal and Public Relations Bureau of BGN Khairul Hidayati stated that strengthening the narrative based on data and facts is the priority of BGN in the midst of the rapid flow of digital information. According to him, national strategic programs such as MBG must be accompanied by transparent and responsive communication.

"The MBG program concerns the interests of the wider community, so the information circulating must be accurate and accountable. We are in synergy with Kemkomdigi to ensure that the digital space remains healthy from hoaxes and disinformation," said Khairul Hidayati.

He suggested that cooperation with the Ministry of Communication and Information not only focuses on clarifying issues, but also building an early detection system for the potential spread of misinformation on various digital platforms. This approach is carried out through strengthening coordination, media monitoring, and increasing public digital literacy.