The Association of Indonesian Free Nutritious Meal Entrepreneurs and\nManagers (APPMBGI) supports the evaluation and temporary moratorium on\nthe implementation of the Free Nutritious Meal (MBG) Programme. However,\nthe organisation has cautioned that the improvement process must not be\nused as a tool for political interests and must provide certainty for\npartners and investors who have contributed to the programme.<\/p>\n
This stance was conveyed by APPMBGI following various issues that\nhave overshadowed the MBG programme in recent weeks, including the\ndetention of several former leaders of the National Nutrition Agency\n(BGN) by the Attorney General\u2019s Office, the moratorium policy on the\nconstruction of Nutrition Service Fulfilment Unit (SPPG) kitchens, and\nthe issuance of a new circular letter that has sparked debate among\nbusiness actors.<\/p>\n
APPMBGI Chairman Abdul Rivai Ras stressed that MBG is a strategic\nnational programme with a vital role in improving the quality of\nIndonesia\u2019s human resources. Therefore, he argued, the programme must\nnot fail due to the actions of a few individuals.<\/p>\n
\u201cThe MBG programme is a noble and strategic programme of great\nimportance for the future of the nation and state, particularly in\nefforts to improve the quality of Indonesia\u2019s human resources. A\nprogramme this good is too important to fail and should not be tarnished\nby the immoral and irresponsible behaviour of certain individuals,\u201d\nAbdul Rivai said in a statement on Sunday (21\/6).<\/p>\n
According to APPMBGI, the change of leadership at BGN following the\ndetention of several officials should be used as momentum to carry out\ncomprehensive governance reforms. The organisation, which has chapters\nin all 38 provinces, stated it continues to support the sustainability\nof the MBG programme but believes the evaluation must yield tangible\nimprovements.<\/p>\n
\u201cWe agree with the evaluation and moratorium in the hope that during\nthis transition period, the National Nutrition Agency will truly\nundertake positive reforms, becoming more accountable, transparent, and\nhaving governance that is fully answerable to the public,\u201d he said.<\/p>\n
Furthermore, APPMBGI identified four main aspects that must be the\nfocus during the moratorium period. First, the reform of BGN\u2019s\ngovernance and accountability, including kitchen supervision systems,\nfund disbursement mechanisms to partners, and food quality and safety\nstandards.<\/p>\n
Second, the government must provide certainty to partners and\ninvestors who have spent capital to build facilities, purchase\nequipment, and recruit workers. According to APPMBGI, the moratorium\nmust not continue without a clear time limit.<\/p>\n
Third, communication between the government and implementing partners\nmust be strengthened, particularly regarding technical policies and\noperational circulars that could affect programme implementation on the\nground.<\/p>\n
Fourth, the evaluation process must be free from political interests\nand solely oriented towards governance improvement.<\/p>\n
Abdul Rivai also specifically warned that the various dynamics\noccurring within the MBG programme should not be exploited for practical\npolitical purposes.<\/p>\n
\u201cWe ask all parties that during this transition and improvement\nperiod, no one politicises the MBG issue for personal or group\ninterests. This programme is too important for the future of the\nnation\u2019s children and must not be used as a political tool,\u201d he\nasserted.<\/p>\n
Furthermore, APPMBGI hopes the evaluation and moratorium process will\nproduce more mature policies without unilaterally burdening partners,\ninvestors, or SPPG managers who have so far supported the programme\u2019s\nimplementation.<\/p>\n
Abdul Rivai also urged BGN to open a more intensive dialogue space\nwith all stakeholders to ensure every policy taken is on target and\nacceptable to all parties.<\/p>\n
\u201cWe also strongly hope that BGN will more intensively conduct\ndialogue and communication with all partners and stakeholders involved\nin all dimensions of MBG implementation. Only through good and open\ncommunication can the decisions taken later be truly precise, fair, and\nbeneficial to all parties,\u201d he concluded.<\/p>\n
APPMBGI further affirmed it will remain a constructive partner to the\ngovernment and BGN in the process of reforming MBG governance. The\norganisation hopes the government\u2019s flagship programme can resume\noperations transparently and accountably, providing optimal nutritional\nbenefits for millions of Indonesian children.<\/p>", "url": "https:\/\/jawawa.id\/newsitem\/mbg-improvement-moratorium-must-be-transparent-1782031847", "image": "" }, "sponsor": "Okusi Associates", "sponsor_url": "https:\/\/okusiassociates.com" }