DPR Member Affirms Government Not Anti-Criticism Regarding Free Nutritious Meals Programme
Malang, East Java (ANTARA) - Member of the House of Representatives (DPR RI) Moreno Soeprapto has affirmed that the government is not at all opposed to criticism from the public, particularly regarding the Free Nutritious Meals (MBG) programme.
Speaking after attending a grand rally and exercise event with MBG supporters in Malang Raya at Tugu Square, Malang City Hall, East Java, on Saturday, Moreno stated that the government is continuously accommodating and responding to all criticism by improving the institutional governance of the National Nutrition Agency (BGN) and the programme’s implementation on the ground.
“The government is conducting evaluations, which is good, and action was taken just yesterday. The government is not anti-criticism from the public,” Moreno said.
According to him, criticism is a natural part of the process, but it must not be expressed in a way that incites hatred, which could impact national unity.
The public was invited to assist the DPR and the government in jointly overseeing this strategic programme so that its implementation improves in the future.
“We want to achieve a Golden Indonesia, so we need to prepare the next generation. If they are taught to revile and become accustomed to hatred, that is certainly not good,” he remarked.
On that occasion, he said that overall, the MBG programme has a sound concept. Besides meeting children’s nutritional needs, the programme also has an impact on the community’s economic cycle.
The DPR member representing the Malang Raya electoral district shared that from his visits to Malang City, Batu City, and Malang Regency, both livestock breeders and farmers have responded positively to the MBG programme.
“They gain market demand from it, so their income can increase,” he stated.
Meanwhile, Moreno conveyed that the grand rally was purely an organic activity by members of the public who recognise the benefits of the MBG programme.
“In my view, this is not a counter-protest; it is a spontaneous action by the people of Malang Raya,” he said.
The grand rally and group exercise for MBG supporters in Malang Raya was attended by thousands of participants. They had filled Tugu Square since around 6.30 a.m. local time. The event proceeded smoothly, and participants dispersed around 10.50 a.m. local time.