Five Governance Improvements for National Nutrition Agency Proposed by Free Meal Programme Association
S&P is said to have affirmed that fiscal policy is being managed well.
The Indonesian Association of Free Nutritious Meal Entrepreneurs and Managers (APPMBGI) has declared its full support for the continuation of the Free Nutritious Meal (MBG) programme amid an ongoing government budget evaluation. The organisation, which oversees partners of the Nutrition Fulfilment Service Units (SPPG), has also submitted five strategic proposals to strengthen governance together with the National Nutrition Agency (BGN).
APPMBGI Chairman Abdul Rivai Ras affirmed that MBG is a long-term investment to create an excellent generation towards Indonesia Emas 2045.
Beyond improving nutrition, the programme is considered capable of driving regional economies through the involvement of farmers, livestock breeders, fishers and SMEs in the supply chain.
“The Free Nutritious Meal programme is not merely about providing food, but a long-term national investment. We are committed to fully supporting the programme’s continuity,” said Abdul Rivai Ras in a written statement on Tuesday (15 July).
Regarding the ongoing evaluation, APPMBGI hopes the process will still provide certainty for partners who have already invested. Abdul emphasised the importance of transparency and communication to prevent operational uncertainty for kitchen managers in the field.
APPMBGI has proposed five concrete steps to the BGN to refine the programme’s governance.
Furthermore, APPMBGI is encouraging an equal partnership between the government and the private sector. The involvement of partners in policy formulation is considered crucial so that decisions taken account for operational readiness and the continuity of regional supply chains.
In closing his statement, Abdul affirmed that APPMBGI has chosen a dialogic rather than confrontational approach. He believes the success of a programme on this national scale can only be achieved through close collaboration among all stakeholders.
“What is needed today is not mutual blame, but mutual improvement. APPMBGI will continue to be a strategic partner of the government to safeguard this programme and make it increasingly accountable,” he concluded.