DPR member pushes for stronger MBG standards during Ramadan

Jakarta — Neng Eem Marhamah Zulfa Hiz, a member of Commission IX of the Indonesian House of Representatives (DPR), urged strengthening the standards for the implementation of the Free Nutritious Food (MBG) program during the holy month of Ramadan to safeguard the quality of student nutrition.

‘Ramadan should not be used as a reason to lower quality. It should be a momentum to increase concern for the provision of child nutrition,’ she said in Jakarta on Wednesday.

Neng Eem emphasised that Ramadan should be a moment to raise awareness of meeting children’s nutritional needs, including for students who are fasting.

Reports have emerged from various regions, including Kudus Regency and Lumajang. In Kudus, parents of students complained about MBG packages containing fried peanuts, roti abon, small boxed milk, boiled eggs, and a single orange. In Lumajang, students were reported to receive 125 ml milk, salted eggs, and an orange that was still raw.

In response, Neng Eem stressed the importance of consistent implementation of budgeting guidelines and national calorie standards by all field executors, including the Satuan Pelayanan Pemenuhan Gizi (SPPG). She said ongoing supervision and coaching would strengthen the program’s quality.

‘If there are discrepancies, there must be coaching up to administrative sanctions for the SPPG. Do not let public complaints be treated as mere wind,’ she said.

She proposed there be Ramadan-specific menu standards regulating food durability to remain suitable for Iftar, a balanced nutritional composition, and transparency of package values in each region.

According to her, fasting children still require nutritious intake to maintain health and concentration in learning. Therefore, every rupiah of the national budget must truly result in quality nutrition on students’ plates.

She hopes that strengthening standards and cross-agency coordination can ensure MBG runs optimally and provides maximum benefits for children’s growth and development, especially during Ramadan.