House Commission IX Supports MBG Programme Reform as Directed by President

Jakarta (ANTARA) - Deputy Chairman of the House of Representatives Commission IX, Charles Honoris, supports President Prabowo Subianto’s directive to improve the Free Nutritious Meals (MBG) programme to enhance food safety for beneficiaries. “I again urge that the concept and design of this programme be reformulated, such as by no longer using centralised kitchens, but returning the kitchens to schools,” Charles said at the Parliament Complex, Senayan, Jakarta, Friday. Charles considers improvements to the MBG implementation crucial to ensure food safety for beneficiaries while reducing the risk of poisoning allegedly linked to the programme’s execution. He noted that an excessively long time gap could increase the risk of contamination and bacterial growth in the food served to beneficiaries. Therefore, he proposed that MBG kitchens be returned to schools so that students can enjoy the food immediately after it is cooked. Charles hopes the MBG programme will continue to be refined so that the quality and safety of the food served are maintained for the health of the beneficiaries. “I am determined to continue the MBG programme with improvements and efficiency,” said Prabowo. The President stated that human development is a vital part of Indonesia’s future and must begin with fulfilling basic needs, especially nutrition. According to Prabowo, the MBG programme aims to address the problem of malnutrition, the prevalence of which still reaches 25 percent in several regions. Therefore, the government will continue to run the MBG programme by making improvements while increasing its efficiency.