House Commission IX Proposes Special Committee on Free Nutritious Meals Governance, Flags Systemic Violations and Stunting Impact

A member of the House of Representatives (DPR) Commission IX, Lucy Kurniasari, has proposed the establishment of a Special Committee (Panja) on the Governance of the Free Nutritious Meals (MBG) Programme to ensure its implementation aligns with its objectives and adheres to better management standards. Lucy stated that a Panja is necessary to conduct an objective, fact-based evaluation of the programme, which would serve as a foundation for future policy improvements. The proposal was made following a Public Hearing Meeting (RDPU) between Commission IX and the MBG Watch Coalition at the Parliament Complex in Senayan, Jakarta. Lucy expressed appreciation for the input from the MBG Watch Coalition, viewing it as a form of public participation in overseeing the programme. She acknowledged the programme’s noble intentions but stressed that its execution faces numerous issues requiring immediate rectification. “This MBG programme is indeed a very noble programme. Everyone certainly supports it. However, along the way, many violations have occurred in the system, governance, and the targeting of beneficiaries has also been inaccurate,” she said. Beyond governance issues, Lucy highlighted the urgent need to measure the programme’s effectiveness, particularly in achieving targets to reduce stunting rates and improve human resource quality. She noted that food safety aspects within the MBG programme also require greater attention. “There are also many issues related to food that do not yet guarantee safety. Furthermore, the effectiveness of stunting reduction after receiving Free Nutritious Meals remains unclear. There is no risk mitigation yet towards the Golden Indonesia 2045 vision,” she added. Lucy expressed hope that all recommendations from the MBG Watch Coalition would serve as evaluation material for the National Nutrition Agency (BGN). She said Commission IX would also bring these inputs to a meeting with the BGN to push for improvements in the governance and management of the Free Nutritious Meals Programme. Consequently, Lucy proposed the formation of a Panja on MBG Governance so that all issues in the programme’s implementation can be thoroughly examined and used as a basis for future policy direction. “I propose forming a Governance Panja to obtain accurate and clear facts without any particular interests. This Panja is expected to help the President reflect and formulate a roadmap for the Free Nutritious Meals Programme,” concluded the politician from the Democratic Party Faction.