Kediri‘s Food Caterers Fall Victim to Fake ‘Makan Bergizi Gratis’ Scheme; Losses Mount to Rp 72 Million
Kediri, Indonesia – A group of catering business owners in Kediri city have become the latest victims of a sophisticated scam, lured by a fictional ‘Makan Bergizi Gratis’ (MBG) program that has cost them a combined Rp 72 million in losses.
The scam was orchestrated by a local group called Manunggal Cipto Roso Kuliner (MCRK), which claimed to be preparing for an MBG tender. However, the group’s supposed location in Desa Gogorante, Ngasem District, turned out to be nothing more than an empty field, devoid of any activity.
One of the victims, Nining Murtriningsih, was initially attracted to the scheme as it promised a five-year employment contract. Unbeknownst to her, the scam began subtly, without an initial demand for any money. However, over time, Nining and her fellow catering owners were required to pay a ‘security fee’ of Rp 750,000 per thousand meals, which eventually increased to Rp 1 million.
As the scam unraveled, 43 catering owners came forward, demanding the return of their ‘security fees.’ MCRK’s representative, Margaretha, through her husband Rudy, acknowledged the money collection but claimed it was intended to cover the program’s preparation costs. The group promised to refund the money after the supposed program launch in January 2025.
In an unexpected turn, Rudy admitted that he too was a victim, having sold his car and motorbike to partially refund the money to his fellow caterers. So far, only Rp 43 million has been returned.
In response to the scam, the Commander of Kodim 0809 Kediri, Lieutenant Colonel Inf Ragil Jaka Utama, firmly denied any involvement in the MBG program. "It’s a lie. Don’t easily believe in parties that use the name of government institutions without official evidence," he warned.
The incident serves as a cautionary tale for business owners to exercise due diligence and remain wary of seemingly attractive offers, particularly those with uncertain origins and unverified credentials.