BGN Denies News that Students in Pemalang Were Expelled for Criticizing MBG

JAKARTA - Central Java National Nutrition Agency (BGN) Regional Coordinator Reza Mahendra confirmed the news that a student at SDN 01 Banjaranyar, Pemalang Regency, was expelled from school because his parents criticized the Free Nutritious Meal (MBG) program was not true.

Reza emphasized that the information was a misunderstanding that had been resolved by the school.

"The incident at SDN 01 Banjaranyar regarding students who were expelled for criticizing MBG is not true. Until now, no students have been expelled. The student is still a student. The problem has been resolved by the school by providing education to the student's guardian regarding the MBG budget ceiling, which is the student's guardian's complaint," said Reza as quoted by ANTARA, Tuesday, May 5.

Reza explained that the controversy circulating in the community started from a misunderstanding of parents regarding the amount of the MBG menu budget, especially during the fasting month. The school then gave an explanation to straighten out the information.

In addition, the school together with local authorities have also taken steps to handle, including through the process of the Report of the Examination (BAP). On the other hand, the Pemalang Randudongkal 2 Nutrition Fulfillment Service Unit (SPPG) has also evaluated the service, especially in improving the quality of the menu.

Based on the chronology, the issue actually emerged since January 27, 2026 and was again crowded in mid-April 2026 with a narrative that developed into an allegation of unilateral dismissal of students. The focus of discussion on social media has shifted from criticism of the Student Work Sheet (LKS) to the MBG issue.

Initial information came from the communication of the Village Training Officer (Babinsa) to the SPPG regarding the circulation of old issues involving the parents of students and the school. The problem started with parents' criticism of a number of things, such as LKS, infak, to the MBG program.

Criticism of MBG was triggered by a misunderstanding regarding the nominal price of the menu during the fasting month. Parents thought the MBG package price was Rp. 15 thousand, whereas the applicable tariff was Rp. 8 thousand for a small portion and Rp. 10 thousand for a large portion.

The school then called the student's guardian to give an explanation. However, after the meeting, the student in question did not return to school. The situation developed after accusations appeared on social media that there was bullying by the school.

The school was said to have tried to persuade the students and their parents to return, but it was unsuccessful. The case was then handed over to the legal system after attempts to resolve it through the education service were unsuccessful.

During the investigation process, the SPPG said it had been monitoring the case since April 2026. The school has also coordinated with the relevant services and undergone a check at the Pemalang Police Station six times, with the main focus on the issue of alleged bullying, not criticism of MBG.

On May 2, 2026, the school again underwent a BAP at the Pemalang Police. Then, on May 4, 2026, the school met with lawyers and related parties to continue the settlement process.

Until now, the process of resolving the case is still ongoing with the assistance of legal counsel from the provincial level. The BGN emphasized its commitment to continue to improve the quality of MBG services and ensure that the program runs optimally in the school environment.

Meanwhile, the Head of SDN 01 Banjaranyar Sri Umbartiningsihmeny conveyed that students at his school showed high enthusiasm for the MBG program.

"Students at our school are very enthusiastic about MBG. This is evidenced by students who wait when MBG is distributed. Students often ask to eat their friend's MBG who did not go to school," said Sri.

The SPPG confirmed its commitment to continue improving services and ensuring that the MBG program runs optimally and accurately in the school environment. SPPG Pemalang Randudongkal 2 began operating on September 1, 2025, and has now served 3,608 beneficiaries.