Hoax! Malang City Halts Free Nutritious Meal Programme
An Instagram post has been circulating with information claiming that the Malang City Regional House of Representatives (DPRD) has halted the Free Nutritious Meal (MBG) programme in the region. The decision was allegedly made by the Chairperson of the Malang City DPRD, Amithya Ratnanggani Sirraduhita, while receiving aspirations from students.
The narrative shared on Instagram stated: “The first city in Indonesia! Malang officially stops the Free Nutritious Meal Programme! In response to waves of protests and student aspirations, Malang has taken a bold step to become the first region in Indonesia to stop the Free Nutritious Meal (MBG) programme. This unexpected move was directly confirmed by the Chairperson of the Malang City DPRD, Amithya Ratnanggani Sirraduhita.”
However, is it true that Malang is the first city in Indonesia to stop the MBG programme?
Explanation: Under existing regulations, the DPRD does not have the authority to unilaterally stop or cancel government programmes, especially if such policies are part of National Strategic Programmes (PSN). Based on Law Number 23 of 2014 concerning Regional Government, the authority of the DPRD is limited to three main functions: legislation (formation of regional regulations), budgeting, and oversight (controlling).
Regarding its oversight function, the DPRD is only authorised to provide recommendations for improvements or evaluations of government programmes. The DPRD can also ensure that programmes run within legal corridors and reach the intended targets, but it cannot cancel or permanently stop a programme.
Furthermore, Articles 67 and 68 of the Law on Regional Government emphasise that regional heads and local government officials are obliged to implement National Strategic Programmes. The Minister of Home Affairs can impose administrative sanctions, ranging from written warnings to temporary or permanent dismissal, if there are attempts to obstruct or systemic rejection of such programmes by the local government.
Meanwhile, the issue regarding the cessation of the MBG in the ‘City of Apples’ has also been refuted by the Mayor of Malang, Wahyu Hidayat. “There is none, that is old news. The MBG is still running, it is safe,” said Wahyu.
The Deputy Chairperson of the Malang City DPRD, Trio Agus Purwono, also emphasised that, institutionally, the Malang City DPRD has never issued a decision to stop or dissolve the MBG programme, as reported. “Institutionally, the Malang City DPRD has never issued a decision to dissolve the MBG in Malang City,” said Trio.