DPD Calls for Government to Heed Public Complaints on Free Nutritious Meal Programme
Semarang — The Indonesian Regional Representative Council (DPD) has urged the government, particularly the President, to listen to public reports regarding the implementation of the Free Nutritious Meal (MBG) programme in the field.
“If I follow social media and have also happened to check at schools, we are indeed concerned,” said Muhdi, Deputy Chair of DPD Committee I, in Semarang on Sunday.
His concern was based on several issues, namely that the food being served falls far short of nutritious food as the government wishes to provide through the MBG programme.
“Because if we look at the food, it is substandard bread. Even if there is fruit, it is something like bananas, and occasionally peanuts. At most there is one egg, sometimes,” he said.
According to him, this problem raises questions about whether the National Nutrition Agency (BGN) has not provided guidance on what food should be distributed, particularly during the fasting month.
“I think this needs to be considered. Is it necessary to provide meals during the fasting month, or is there another way? For instance, if many people already have money anyway,” he said.
He hopes that nutrition fulfilment service units (SPPG) do not undermine the MBG programme by providing menus that do not meet the required nutritional values.
Because, Muhdi, who is also Chair of the Central Java Teachers Association (PGRI), said, public confidence will drop dramatically with regard to the implementation of the MBG programme, which actually has good intentions.
Another consequence, he said, is that much of the MBG food is not eaten by students and is wasted.
Regarding the many public reports about MBG menus not meeting standards, he hopes the President will listen.
“Especially if you look at social media, it is quite alarming now. And to Mr President I hope you will see this reality. Don’t just listen to, for example, what the BGN head says about whole catfish and so on,” he said.
Of course, he said, the public is now more critical in reporting what they experience, including regarding the MBG programme their children receive, so it can be used as feedback.
The Central Java Senator hopes the government will conduct an evaluation or reorganisation of the MBG programme to align with its objectives and targets.
“If necessary, involve everyone in the discussion, from the House of Representatives, from the DPD, from regents and so on. This could actually be used as a reference for gathering input for future steps,” said Muhdi.