House of Representatives Stresses Importance of Public Participation in Free Nutritious Meals Programme
Surabaya (ANTARA) — Member of House of Representatives Commission IX Indah Kurniawati has stressed the importance of public participation in Surabaya, East Java, in the implementation of the Free Nutritious Meals (MBG) programme to ensure service quality and accurate targeting of beneficiaries.
“Public support is the key to the success of the Free Nutritious Meals programme being run by the government through the National Nutrition Agency (BGN),” Indah said in a statement received in Surabaya on Wednesday.
She explained that human resource development does not focus solely on the physical aspect but also on mental and moral dimensions.
“That is why nutritional interventions are carried out from the womb, covering pregnant women, breastfeeding mothers, toddlers, through to senior secondary school students, and in the future it is hoped this will extend to the elderly,” she said.
The MBG programme is implemented through Nutrition Fulfilment Service Units (SPPG) and kitchens prepared by the government.
However, according to Indah, the programme’s success depends not only on infrastructure readiness but also on the active participation of the public.
“Older children can express their opinions. But younger children may not be able to do so. Therefore, we are all obliged to be watchful and provide input so that the quality of this programme continues to improve,” she said.
As a member of House of Representatives Commission IX, Indah assured that her side is carrying out its oversight function proportionally to ensure the programme is properly implemented and reaches the right targets.
She also called on local governments and all stakeholders to work in synergy and safeguard the programme’s implementation to ensure it runs optimally.
She expressed her hope that 2026 will serve as a moment to strengthen collective commitment in carrying out this mandate and ensuring the MBG programme delivers broad benefits to the public, whilst supporting the realisation of Golden Indonesia 2045.