BGN: SPPG at the Forefront of Shaping Public Perception of the Free Nutritious Meals Programme

SPPG is the frontline and representation of the MBG Programme in the community. What the public sees and experiences from SPPG activities will shape the public perception of the programme as a whole. Jakarta (ANTARA) - The National Nutrition Agency (BGN) states that the Satuan Pelayanan Pemenuhan Gizi (SPPG) has become the frontline in shaping public perception of the Free Nutritious Meals Programme (MBG). Head of the BGN’s Legal and Public Relations Bureau Khairul Hidayati said public communication plays an important role in ensuring the programme is understood correctly by the public. Effective information management is seen as key to maintaining policy legitimacy while strengthening public support for the MBG programme. “SPPG is the frontline and representation of the MBG Programme in the community. What the public sees and experiences from SPPG activities will shape the public perception of the programme as a whole,” Hida said in a press release in Jakarta on Sunday. He emphasised that the MBG Programme is one of the government’s strategic interventions to improve the nutrition status of school children and vulnerable groups. As a nationally scaled programme involving many parties, its implementation also carries the potential for issues that can affect public perception of the programme. Moreover, the BGN also stresses the importance of consistent communication principles with central policy, the delivery of fact-based information, strong internal coordination, and proportionate transparency in facing issues developing in the public space. Hida added that a rapid and coordinated communications response is crucial when issues arise related to programme implementation on the ground. In his view, the first 24 to 48 hours are often decisive moments in shaping public perception of an issue. “Good communication is not only about conveying information, but also about maintaining public trust. A fast, factual, and coordinated response is the key to ensuring issues are managed well and do not develop into a communication crisis,” Hida said.