Government says public criticisms of MBG programme are part of oversight

Jakarta (ANTARA) - Senior Expert of the Government Communication Body of the Republic of Indonesia (Badan Komunikasi Pemerintah RI) Hariqo Wibawa Satria said that criticisms of the Free Nutritious Meal Programme (MBG) from the public are part of the oversight of the national priority programme.

Hariqo acknowledged public concerns about MBG, including the potential corruption at the Nutrition Fulfillment Service Unit (SPPG), or the Rp10,000 per portion budget with menus that did not always match what is served.

‘Public concern is understandable because we have previously seen corruption in various sectors, such as Hajj, the Al-Qur’an assistance, or social aid. However, MBG oversight is actually very tight. The programme is unique because the public can monitor it directly,’ he said in a podcast with ANTARA in Jakarta on Thursday.

Hariqo emphasised that parents can even view the menu, calculate calories, and upload it to social media as part of the oversight to improve the MBG’s quality.

‘The standard is that the menu must meet 30–35 per cent of daily caloric needs; for example, a fourth- or fifth-grade student would require around 2,000 calories per day, so one MBG portion should be around 583–685 calories. The cost of ingredients also varies by region; on Java Island the average menu cost is Rp8,000–Rp10,000,’ he said.

‘The Rp10,000 per portion budget is sufficient to buy quality raw materials because it is done in large volumes directly from farmers, ranchers, and UMKM, thus keeping prices down,’ he explained.

He also explained that MBG funding does not reduce education; rather it strengthens it because the programme ensures that the substantial budget disbursed is not wasted as students are ready to learn.

‘If students do not have breakfast, by 10 or 12 they become sleepy; some faint during the ceremony, so their focus on learning diminishes,’ he said.

Moreover, based on a study conducted with the University of Indonesia (UI), MBG can reduce the rate of school dropouts, improve focus on learning, and improve students’ health. In addition, other research shows that eating together is beneficial for health. ‘According to the research, eating together also improves health because children who previously did not like vegetables can join in eating vegetables,’ he added.