Jakarta, VIVA \u2013 Amid intense public scrutiny over the effectiveness\nand operational challenges of the Free Nutritious Meal Programme (MBG),\na wave of student movements has chosen to go directly to the\ngrassroots.<\/p>\n
Adopting a live-in method and participatory, evidence-based research,\nthe Aliansi Mahasiswa Menjawab (AMM) has turned the village into a\nliving laboratory to test and monitor the implementation of this\nNational Strategic Programme.<\/p>\n
AMM presented the findings of its research and field monitoring\nreports at an academic event held at Universitas Pembangunan Nasional\n(UPN) \u201cVeteran\u201d Jakarta on Monday, 3 August 2026.<\/p>\n
The initiative follows live-in research conducted at the Nutrition\nFulfilment Service Unit (SPPG) of Mekarbaru Village, Tangerang Regency,\nBanten, on 10\u201312 June 2026.<\/p>\n
AMM stressed that this village-based movement embodies the Tri Dharma\nof Higher Education, realising students\u2019 intellectual role as critical\npartners of the state while also serving as a bridge for the hopes of\nthe community.<\/p>\n
\u201cMoreover, this evidence-based, on-the-ground research is intended to\nrevive the spirit of the Ikada Meeting of 19 September 1945\u2014positioning\nstudents as the bastion safeguarding the sovereignty of the people\u2019s\neconomy from the threat of cartels and economic mafias,\u201d said Caesar\nKhalifah, an AMM representative from GLM UPN VJ, speaking to the media\non Monday, 3 August 2026.<\/p>\n
Legal Protection and Academic Administration<\/p>\n
To ensure the entire series of field research and live-in activities\nproceeds within a lawful legal corridor, AMM has officially partnered\nwith the Legal Aid Institute (LBH) Tridarma Indonesia through the formal\ngranting of legal protection for the activities. The step was taken to\nguarantee the safety of all researchers and student volunteers in the\nfield from potential intimidation or pressure from certain parties.<\/p>\n
Meanwhile, as a demonstration of moral responsibility and orderly\nacademic administration, the students involved have maintained intensive\ncommunication and coordination with their respective rectorates and\ncampus leadership.<\/p>\n
Field Findings and Critical Evaluation<\/p>\n
From the live-in research at SPPG Mekarbaru Village, AMM noted that\nthe MBG programme has significant potential to leverage the people\u2019s\neconomy, provided it is managed purely and honestly and in compliance\nwith the Implementation Guidelines (Juklak) and Technical Guidelines\n(Juknis).<\/p>", "url": "https:\/\/jawawa.id\/newsitem\/students-monitor-free-nutritious-meal-programme-from-villages-1785772391", "image": "" }, "sponsor": "Okusi Associates", "sponsor_url": "https:\/\/okusiassociates.com" }