Academic: Political Communication on Nutrition Builds Trust in Free Nutritious Meal Programme

Jakarta — Syurya M. Nur, a Communications Science lecturer at Esa Unggul University, has stressed the importance of political communication regarding nutrition in building public trust in the Free Nutritious Meal Programme (MBG).

“Government communication with partners is also crucial, ensuring that the regulations or Standard Operating Procedures (SOP) implemented truly comply with requirements, so that public trust can take hold and this programme can run well. Communication is the key, namely building trust,” he stated during a podcast session with the National Nutrition Agency (BGN) held online in Jakarta on Monday.

Syurya noted that there have been instances where unscrupulous individuals have implemented the MBG Programme contrary to applicable SOPs, resulting in food poisoning cases among students in various regions.

“Therefore, there must be oversight. Communication is the key, namely building trust, how this message reaches the recipients and they believe that this is a positive message,” Syurya said.

According to him, the BGN, which has been implementing the MBG Programme, has brought significant benefits to various stakeholders, including children as part of efforts to improve the nation’s nutritional quality.

He also explained that political communication is always linked to policy, so the government needs to formulate a strategy on how to deliver the policy to society and ensure they believe that the programme is beneficial and brings sustainable benefits.