Hashim says weaknesses in MBG are normal
Jakarta (ANTARA) - Presidential Special Envoy for Energy and Environment Hashim Djojohadikusumo stated that the weaknesses in the implementation of the Free Nutritious Meals (MBG) programme so far are normal, thus requiring stricter oversight.
In his speech at the Jaga Desa Award 2026 event in Jakarta on Sunday evening, 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 cases, the emergence of maggots, and so on; but I think this is quite normal because the MBG programme is the first one being 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.
“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 what it will be like 20 years from now’,” said Hashim.
Therefore, he considered oversight of the MBG programme’s implementation to be important.
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 that food quality is maintained.
“I heard from Mr Reda (Jamintel Reda Manthovani) that there is already an app that can be used soon. We hope that all Abpednas members, possibly more than 300,000, with 73,000 villages each having five members, can use this app to take photos and maintain food quality; this will be very helpful to the government. This is a noble and extraordinary task, safeguarding MBG,” explained Hashim.
Meanwhile, Head of the National Nutrition Agency (BGN) Dadan Hindayana, who was also present at the event, reaffirmed his agency’s commitment to conducting comprehensive oversight of the MBG programme.
“Of course, this will be comprehensive oversight, not only on the utilisation of funds but also on menu quality,” said Dadan when met after the event.