Five Governance Improvements for National Nutrition Agency Proposed by Free Meal Programme Association

The Association of Indonesian Free Nutritious Meal Entrepreneurs and Managers (APPMBGI) has expressed full support for the continuation of the Free Nutritious Meal Programme (MBG) amidst the government’s budget evaluation. The organisation, which oversees partners of the Nutrition Fulfilment Service Units (SPPG), also submitted five strategic proposals to strengthen joint governance with the National Nutrition Agency (BGN). APPMBGI Chairman Abdul Rivai Ras asserted that the MBG is a long-term investment to create a superior generation for a Golden Indonesia 2045. Beyond improving nutrition, the programme is considered capable of driving regional economies through the involvement of farmers, livestock breeders, fishermen, and MSMEs in the supply chain. ‘The Free Nutritious Meal Programme is not merely about providing food, but is a long-term investment for the nation. We are fully committed to supporting the sustainability of this programme,’ said Abdul Rivai Ras in a written statement on Tuesday (15/7). Regarding the ongoing evaluation, APPMBGI hopes the process will provide certainty for partners who have already invested. Abdul stressed the importance of transparency and communication to prevent operational uncertainty for kitchen managers in the field. APPMBGI proposed five concrete steps to the BGN to improve programme governance. Furthermore, APPMBGI encouraged an equal partnership between the government and the private sector. Involving partners in policy-making is considered crucial so that decisions take into account operational readiness and the sustainability of supply chains in the regions. Concluding his statement, Abdul asserted that APPMBGI prefers dialogue over confrontation. He believes the success of this national-scale programme can only be achieved through close collaboration among all stakeholders. ‘What is needed today is not blaming each other, but improving together. APPMBGI will continue to be a strategic partner for the government to oversee this programme so that it becomes more accountable,’ he concluded.