Kabar Gemerlap - In a twist of irony, Chef Arnold Poernomo, renowned for his culinary expertise, finds himself at the center of a digital firestorm after voicing concerns about the Makan Bergizi Gratis (MBG) program. His recent Threads post dissecting MBG's operational shortcomings has sparked a tempest of criticism, with netizens questioning his past alignment with the initiative and even mocking his restaurant's hygiene practices.
The controversy erupted when Arnold shared a detailed critique of MBG's kitchen infrastructure, alleging that the program's facilities are ill-equipped to handle its operational demands. “Many MBG kitchens are built with minimal standards, yet burdened with heavy workloads,” he wrote, emphasizing the risk of equipment failure and declining food quality if issues are not addressed.
“If left unattended, equipment will fail within two years, leading to compromised output quality. Budgets for food remain stagnant despite rising raw material costs,” Arnold warned.
Arnold's criticism extended beyond infrastructure, targeting supplier practices and the overworked staff. He accused some suppliers of providing subpar or near-expired ingredients, while highlighting the physical and mental strain on Satuan Pelayanan Pemenuhan Gizi (SPPG) workers. “Overworked staff in inadequate conditions lead to errors, waste, and even food poisoning,” he stated.
Compounding the backlash, Arnold admitted to initially supporting MBG but clarified his current stance. “I apologize for my earlier gullibility. Those claiming I was a Jokowi ally are mistaken. This is why I’ve grown weary,” he said, sparking debates over his credibility.
Netizens, however, seized on perceived inconsistencies. Some accused Arnold of delayed criticism, while others mocked his restaurant's hygiene standards. A viral comment read: “Chef, does your restaurant’s hand soap even come from Solo?” - a jab referencing Arnold’s hometown and a popular local soap brand.
Despite the uproar, Arnold’s technical critiques about MBG’s management, supplier oversight, and worker conditions remain unresolved. Authorities have yet to investigate his claims, leaving the program’s future in limbo.