Bali Governor Denies Allegations of Obstructing Free Nutritious Meals Programme
Denpasar (ANTARA) - The Governor of Bali, Wayan Koster, has denied allegations that he is failing to support the Free Nutritious Meal (MBG) programme and is obstructing it through the development of Nutrition Fulfilment Service Units (SPPG).
“The Bali Provincial Government has taken concrete steps to support various national strategic programmes; first, the provision of 7.1 hectares of land for the construction of SPPG facilities for the MBG Programme,” Koster stated in an official statement from Denpasar on Saturday.
Previously, on Tuesday (30/6), hundreds of protesters gathered at the Bali Governor’s Office to express their support for the MBG programme.
Governor Koster emphasised that the construction of SPPG units is planned to be spread across all regencies and cities in Bali, and proposals have been submitted to the Head of the National Nutrition Agency (BGN) since 20 May 2025.
“I deeply understand the structure of the state and the administration of government, that our government is one, comprising both central and regional governments, where regional governments and regional heads have the obligation to implement the strategic policies and programmes of the government led by the President of the Republic of Indonesia, Mr Prabowo Subianto,” he said.
To this end, he sought to rectify reports circulating on social media so that the people of Bali could gain a correct understanding of the Bali Provincial Government’s commitment to supporting national priority programmes.
In response to the statements made by the protesters which triggered various news reports, Governor Koster urged all components of Balinese society, including social media users, to prioritise accurate, objective, and responsible information.
“Particularly to the public, do not be easily influenced by misleading news; let us support and succeed together in the national strategic programmes implemented by the President of the Republic of Indonesia,” he said.
In addition to supporting the MBG programme, the Governor of Bali also reaffirmed his support for other national programmes, such as the Merah Putih Village/Sub-district Cooperatives and the People’s School (Sekolah Rakyat), as the narratives during the protest also touched upon these two programmes.
For the Merah Putih Village/Sub-district Cooperative programme, the provision of more than 2 hectares of land has been allocated for the construction of cooperative facilities spread across cities and regencies in Bali.
Furthermore, 5.67 hectares of land have been provided for the construction of the People’s School in Tulamben Village, Kubu District, Karangasem Regency.
“Construction is nearly complete, and preparations have been made for the admission of new students,” he added.
From the outset, Governor Koster has instructed the Provincial Secretary of Bali, along with the heads of relevant regional agencies, to coordinate with the central government and regencies/cities across Bali to ensure the smooth implementation of these three programmes in Bali.