DPR Legislator: Free Nutritious Meal Programme Must Be Free from Irregularities
A member of Commission IV of the Indonesian House of Representatives (DPR RI), Firman Soebagyo, stated that the Free Nutritious Meal (MBG) programme is a social initiative with the noble goal of assisting the community, especially underprivileged children.
Nevertheless, he noted that the implementation of the MBG programme must be evaluated and kept free from any potential irregularities. This is because the MBG programme is increasingly vital as a form of social protection for the public amidst economic pressures caused by global geopolitical and geo-economic volatility.
“In such a critical situation, programmes like MBG must serve as a shield for the people. We must not allow good intentions to be ruined by mismanagement on the ground,” Firdo said in his statement on Friday, 19 June 2026.
He explained that geopolitical conflicts, trade wars, and fluctuations in global food and energy prices have had a direct impact on the economic condition of the people. The rising prices of basic necessities and weakening purchasing power are seen to further burden low-income groups.
Therefore, he supports the government’s steps to implement a moratorium, evaluation, and investigative audit regarding the implementation of the MBG programme. According to him, such policies are necessary to ensure the programme runs according to its original objectives.
“MBG must return to its original purpose, which is to target the underprivileged, especially in 3T regions—namely underdeveloped, frontier, and outermost areas,” he added.
Firman also reminded the government to remain open to various inputs emerging from the community, including criticism from students. Additionally, he called for a thorough evaluation of several other programmes related to the empowerment of village and fishing communities.
He highlighted allegations of procedural violations in the procurement of goods and services, as well as the use of budgets in several programmes, suggesting that stricter supervision is required to prevent future legal issues.
On the other hand, Firman urged the public not to use the MBG programme as a political tool or a means to divide society. He requested all parties to respect the ongoing legal processes.
“We must place our full trust in law enforcement agencies to conduct the process thoroughly and transparently. Anyone proven to have misappropriated state finances must be processed according to the law without discrimination,” he asserted.