Government denies conditioning public demonstrations in support of free nutritious meals

The Government Communication Body (Bakom) of the Republic of Indonesia has denied allegations that recent demonstrations in support of the Free Nutritious Meals (MBG) programme were orchestrated, stating that the government respects both those who support and those who oppose the priority programme. Acting Deputy for Partnership and Media Relations at Bakom RI, Kurnia Ramadhana, responded to journalists’ questions following a press conference in Jakarta on Wednesday, stating that under the law, everyone has the right to express their opinion, whether in support of or in criticism of government policy. “Regarding the allegation that the government conditioned the demonstrations supporting MBG, I believe that is not true. The government’s position is to respect every voice of the community, both for and against,” said Kurnia. “In essence, what the government is currently doing is striving to improve the Free Nutritious Meals Programme. Meanwhile, improvements are also being made by the new leadership of the National Nutrition Agency (BGN),” he added. Previously, a number of mass actions were held in several locations to voice support for the continuation of MBG. These actions occurred after students and community groups had taken to the streets demanding a total evaluation of MBG, along with a number of other demands. Referring to a statement by Deputy Head and Spokesperson of BGN, Agustina Arumsari, on Thursday (18/6), the BGN decided on a policy that Nutritional Fulfilment Service Units (SPPG) will not receive incentives during the school holiday period, in line with the temporary suspension of MBG distribution during the school holidays. Based on BGN data, the number of operational SPPGs has reached 27,820 units. Assuming the suspension of incentives at Rp6 million per day over an 18-day holiday period, BGN estimates the efficiency savings on SPPG incentives will reach approximately Rp3 trillion.