Guarding Priority Programmes with Common Sense
Discussions and debates surrounding the Prabowo-Gibran administration’s priority programmes, namely the Free Nutritious Meals (MBG) and the Merah Putih Village Cooperatives (KopDes Merah Putih), seem endless. This phenomenon illustrates how public policy always has two sides that must be viewed holistically. On one hand, criticism highlights alleged irregularities in implementation. On the other, there is a view that the benefits felt by the community should not be erased simply because of violations committed by certain individuals.
In any democracy, a government elected directly by the people generally has promises manifested in flagship programmes. For Indonesia, MBG and KopDes Merah Putih were promises made since the Prabowo-Gibran campaign trail, making their implementation something that must be strictly safeguarded. The public must ensure these programmes deliver tangible benefits that can be felt directly, especially by low-income groups. Success should be measured not solely by public debate, but by the impact on people’s daily lives.
Admittedly, there have been recent demonstrations by some students rejecting both programmes. One reason cited is the alleged irregularities in implementation, including the naming of suspects by the Attorney General’s Office against officials handling the MBG programme. This fact must not be ignored. Law enforcement actually serves as proof that the state’s oversight mechanism is functioning when indications of abuse of authority are found.
In good governance, law enforcement officials play a crucial function as safeguards of public policy. When budget irregularities occur, the target should be the perpetrators of the violation, not the noble objectives of the programme itself. If every policy were halted simply because an individual abused their authority, almost no development programme could proceed sustainably. What is needed is not termination, but system improvement, strengthened oversight, and consistent law enforcement.
The government has demonstrated firmness against the misuse of public funds by prosecuting parties suspected of involvement in irregularities. This step shows zero tolerance for corruption while sending a message that programme implementation must remain within legal corridors. Furthermore, discussions regarding MBG and KopDes Merah Putih should not be centred solely on urban realities. Indonesia is a vastly diverse nation, with millions living in villages, remote areas, border regions, and archipelagos still facing various access limitations. Their perspective often differs from those living in big cities. For some urban communities, assistance programmes may seem ordinary. However, for families living with limited income, any additional access to nutritious food, employment opportunities, or new economic activities can bring meaningful change.