Government Communication Body Denies Orchestrating Pro-Free Nutritious Meal Protests

The Indonesian Government Communications Agency (Bakom) has denied allegations that recent demonstrations supporting the Free Nutritious Meal (MBG) programme were orchestrated by the government.

Kurnia Ramadhana, the Acting Deputy for Partnerships and Media Relations at Bakom RI, stated that according to legislation, everyone has the right to express their opinions, whether in support of or in criticism of government policies. He emphasised that the government respects those who support and oppose this priority programme.

“Regarding the allegations that there was government orchestration behind the demonstrations supporting the MBOG, I believe that is untrue. The government’s position is to value every opinion and every voice from the community, both pro and contra,” said Kurnia.

He asserted that the government is continuously striving to improve the governance of the MBG Programme. With the new leadership within the National Nutrition Agency (BGN), improvements to the implementation of the MBG are being carried out across all sectors.

“In essence, what the government is currently doing is attempting to refine itself regarding the Free Nutritious Meal Programme. Simultaneously, improvements are being implemented by the new leadership of the BGN,” he added.

In recent days, several mass protests have taken place in various locations to express support for the continuation of the MBG. These actions were a response to previous demonstrations by students and community groups demanding a total evaluation of the MBG, alongside several other demands.

Referring to a statement by the Deputy Head and Spokesperson for the BGN, Agustina Arumsari, on Thursday (18/6), the BGN has decided that several Nutrition Fulfillment Service Unit (SPPG) policies will not receive incentives during the school holiday period, coinciding with the temporary suspension of MBG distribution during school breaks.

This step was taken to support the restructuring and standardisation of programme governance. She noted that this policy would also lead to budget efficiencies.

According to BGN data, the number of operational SPPG units has reached 27,820. Based on the assumption of suspending incentives amounting to Rp6 million per day over an 18-day holiday period, the BGN estimates that the budget efficiency for SPPG incentives could reach approximately Rp3 trillion.