Eastern Youth Group Backs Free Nutritious Meals Programme, Supports Transparent Eradication of Budgetary Corruption
The National Coordinator of Eastern Youth has declared its full support for the Free Nutritious Meals (MBG) Programme, a national strategic initiative aimed at improving the quality of Indonesia’s human resources by meeting the nutritional needs of children, students, and vulnerable community groups.
According to the group, the MBG programme is a policy that yields positive impacts for the nation’s future, as it is not only oriented towards enhancing the health and education quality of the younger generation but also has the potential to stimulate the people’s economy through the involvement of farmers, fishermen, livestock breeders, MSMEs, and local business actors.
Zainal Irfandi, an official of the National Coordinator of Eastern Youth, stated on Thursday, 11 June 2026, ‘We assess that the Free Nutritious Meals Programme is a good programme that must be supported by all elements of the nation. However, because this programme uses a substantial amount of state funds and concerns the public interest, supervision must be conducted rigorously so that its implementation is truly on target, transparent, and free from practices of abuse of authority.’
The group also appreciated the steps taken by the Attorney General’s Office of the Republic of Indonesia and all law enforcement apparatus and state oversight bodies, which continue to perform supervisory, evaluation, and enforcement functions regarding various alleged irregularities in national strategic programmes, including if indications of deviation are found in the MBG programme’s execution.
Furthermore, Zainal expressed support for Sony Sonjaya, who has declared his willingness to become a justice collaborator in uncovering various alleged practices said to have occurred in the governance of the Free Nutritious Meals Programme. According to the National Coordinator of Eastern Youth, the courage of parties possessing crucial information must be appreciated, provided it is done within legal corridors and accompanied by accountable evidence.
‘We support the Attorney General’s Office in following up on all information, statements, and allegations submitted by Sony Sonjaya regarding the 26 names said to be involved in the case at the National Nutrition Agency (BGN). All parties named must be given the opportunity to provide clarification and explanations according to the applicable legal mechanisms. At the same time, law enforcement officials need to investigate professionally, independently, and transparently so that the truth can be brought to light,’ he concluded.