Hashim: It is Natural for MBG to Have Shortcomings, as it is Being Implemented for the First Time

President’s Special Envoy for Energy and Environment, Hashim Djojohadikusumo, assessed that the shortcomings in the implementation of the Free Nutritious Meals (MBG) programme so far are a natural occurrence, thus requiring stricter oversight. In his speech at the Jaga Desa Award 2026 event in Jakarta on Sunday night, 19 April 2026, Hashim hoped that the executives of the National Association of Village Consultative Bodies (Abpednas) could assist in overseeing the implementation of MBG in villages. “We see that there are indeed weaknesses, for example, poisoning incidents, the appearance of maggots, and so on; but I think this is quite natural because the MBG programme is the first to be implemented, covering so many beneficiaries,” said Hashim. He also acknowledged that the MBG programme has received much criticism from the public. Nevertheless, according to Hashim, the sincere aspirations from the people need to be addressed. Hashim stressed that MBG is a strategic programme to enhance the intelligence of the nation’s children. The programme was designed stemming from President Prabowo Subianto’s concern over the stunting condition experienced by Indonesian children around 2006. “I remember, according to the Ministry of Health, at that time, 30 percent of Indonesian children suffered from stunting. At that time, Mr Prabowo said to me, ‘If this cannot be addressed, this severe condition, we can imagine 20 years from now’,” said Hashim. Therefore, he assessed that oversight of the MBG implementation is important to carry out. At the event organised by Abpednas, Hashim said that the executives could contribute by accompanying the running of the MBG programme to prevent deviations and ensure the quality of the food remains maintained. He also highlighted the Jaga Desa application initiated by the Attorney General’s Office through the Deputy Attorney General for Intelligence (Jamintel). “I heard from Mr Reda (Jamintel Reda Manthovani) that there is already an application that can be used soon. We hope all Abpednas members, possibly more than 300,000, with 73,000 village members, each having five members. With this application, they can take photos and monitor the quality of the food; this will greatly help the government. This is a noble and extraordinary task, safeguarding MBG,” explained Hashim.