SPPG Employee Allegedly Mocks MBG Poisoning Victims, Bantul Government Expresses Concern

YOGYAKARTA, KOMPAS.com - The Bantul Regency Government in the Special Region of Yogyakarta (DIY) has expressed regret over an incident involving one of the SPPG employees in Bantul who allegedly mocked victims of MBG poisoning in Karo, North Sumatra.

"The Regency Government also regrets this, regardless of the motivation behind it," said Hermawan Setiaji, Assistant for Government and Community Welfare at the Bantul Regional Secretariat, when contacted by reporters via phone on Sunday (20/9/2026).

Hermawan noted that the post has damaged public trust in the SPPG. Especially since the Bantul government is currently supporting the National Nutrition Agency (BGN) in efforts to build public confidence in this presidential priority program.

"Clearly, this disrupts the Bantul Government's efforts to continue assisting BGN in fostering public trust in the MBG program in Bantul," he added.

Therefore, we have asked the BGN Regional Coordinator in Bantul to report this incident to the central authorities, hoping such cases won't recur.

The Bantul Regional Secretary, Agus Budi Raharja, stated that the government is concerned and regrets this incident.

"We are deeply concerned and regret this behavior, as it shows a lack of empathy towards the MBG poisoning victims," Agus said.

He also pointed out that the government has limited capacity to act because the SPPG employee is not a government employee.

"Our role is limited to coordination and providing recommendations to BGN; sanctions must come from there," he explained.

Previously reported, a video went viral on social media showing an employee of the Nutrition Fulfillment Service Unit (SPPG) in Bantul, DIY, allegedly mocking victims of suspected poisoning from the Free Nutritious Meal (MBG) program.

In response, the Regional Coordinator of the National Nutrition Agency (BGN) in DIY, Wirandita Gagat Widyatmoko, stated that the staff member involved serves as a financial supervisor.

"We have also issued a warning to both the SPPG and the person involved," she said on Saturday (19/8/2026).

Gagat emphasized that any incidents concerning food safety that affect beneficiaries must be addressed seriously, with empathy and humanity.