DIY Volunteers Support Free Nutritious Meal Programme and Demand Good Governance
The Alliance of Care for the Nation Volunteers of the Special Region of Yogyakarta (DIY) has officially declared its support for the government’s Free Nutritious Meal (MBG) programme. The support is based on the view that the programme not only provides a solution for improving the nutritional quality of the younger generation but also acts as a driver for the people’s economy.
The statement of support was delivered during an event in Yogyakarta on Friday. During the occasion, the volunteers emphasised the importance of public participation in overseeing the implementation of the MBG to ensure it remains transparent, accountable, and well-targeted.
Field Action Coordinator Raihan Evan stated that MBG is a strategic investment for the nation’s future. According to him, meeting nutritional needs is the primary foundation for building a healthy, intelligent, and productive Indonesian generation.
“This programme is very crucial. However, its benefits do not stop at the food recipients alone. There is a multiplier effect for the regional economy,” Evan said. He explained that the programme’s supply chain involves various sectors, from farmers, fishermen, and livestock breeders to local micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs).
The economic impact of the programme is not just theoretical. Septi Kurnarni, a housewife with three children who participated in the event, admitted to feeling the direct benefits. She now earns additional income by working in an MBG kitchen. “My family’s economy has been greatly helped. By working in the MBG kitchen, I have a steady income to support my children,” Septi revealed. Fellow volunteer Nani Rachman expressed a similar sentiment, feeling that the programme provides new economic opportunities for ordinary people while also contributing to fulfilling children’s nutritional needs.
Beyond the focus on nutrition and the economy, the DIY Alliance of Care for the Nation Volunteers also delivered a strong message regarding integrity. They urged the strengthening of an anti-corruption culture at every stage of the government programme. Evan called on law enforcement officials to act firmly against any form of misappropriation so that the legal process is fair and independent.
At the end of their statement, the alliance invited the public to maintain the spirit of mutual cooperation and unity amidst current social and political dynamics. Differences of opinion in a democracy are considered positive energy as long as the goal is the advancement of a sovereign nation.