Gerindra Legislator Urges Public Oversight of Free Nutritious Meal Programme

Member of the Indonesian House of Representatives (DPR RI) from the Gerindra Party faction, Wihadi Wiyanto, has called on the public to play an active role in monitoring and overseeing the implementation of the Free Nutritious Meal (MBG) Programme to ensure its benefits are truly received by students in accordance with regulations. According to him, public oversight is important to ensure the quality of the food, the portions, and the hygiene of the organising kitchens are maintained. He urged the public not to easily believe negative information about the MBG Programme circulating on social media without checking the actual conditions on the ground. Conversely, the public is asked to participate in direct supervision and report any irregularities. “If there is an SPPG kitchen that is unhygienic or the food served does not comply with the provisions, please take a photo and report it. This programme must be truly enjoyed by the community, and no one should cut the rights of the recipients,” he said in a written statement. He emphasised that every student beneficiary must receive food according to the standards set by the government, and there should be no reduction in the portion or quality of the meals. He cited an example that if the menu stipulates one egg, that amount must be given in full to the recipient. In addition to the MBG Programme, Wihadi also absorbed public aspirations regarding the distribution of subsidised fertiliser. He noted that the community reported that the distribution of subsidised fertiliser has started to improve and is easier to obtain compared to previous years, although the available quantity is still deemed insufficient to fully meet farmers’ needs. Responding to this, he committed to re-evaluating the subsidised fertiliser distribution system to make it more effective, well-targeted, and easily accessible for farmers. He added that in the future, the distribution of various subsidised goods, including fertiliser, will be strengthened through the Koperasi Desa Merah Putih (Red and White Village Cooperative). Wihadi concluded by urging the public to continue utilising their elected representatives as a bridge to convey various issues faced in their regions.