Ibas: Decent Housing and Balanced Nutrition Essential for Independent Families

Jakarta (ANTARA) - Deputy Chairman of the MPR RI, Edhie Baskoro Yudhoyono (Ibas), stated that decent housing and balanced nutrition through the Self-Help Housing Stimulus Assistance (BSPS) and Free Nutritious Meals (MBG) programmes are essential for family independence. Ibas, as per a statement received in Jakarta on Friday, said that decent housing forms a crucial foundation for family welfare. A good home is believed to contribute positively to family health and resilience. According to him, the BSPS programme has delivered real impacts for the community. “At least 15 houses have been renovated through the BSPS programme or central government home rehabilitation, and this has now been completed,” he said. Not only in the social aspect, he also noted that the programme has economic impacts because house construction helps drive the village economy. “Through this programme, the village economy is activated. Materials such as stones, wood, nails, and tiles circulate in our village. This programme, which appears simple, is actually very beneficial for the community,” he said. In addition, Ibas highlighted the importance of the MBG programme as part of efforts to improve human resource quality. He stated that the programme aims to reduce stunting rates and ensure children receive sufficient nutritional intake. “This free nutritious meals programme is important for lowering stunting. None of our children should go hungry or lack nutrition,” he said. He continued that if the programme is implemented on target, its impact will not only be on health but also on community economic growth. “The demand for rice, chicken meat, vegetables, and fruits will increase and circulate in our village,” he said. Ibas visited the BSPS programme in Pacitan, East Java, on Tuesday (5/5), while also providing socialisation regarding the MBG programme. The event, themed Decent Housing, Strong Families, Dignified Independent Villages, was attended by more than 500 residents of Ngadirejo, Pacitan. On that occasion, he also touched on the importance of support for the agricultural sector as the main pillar of the village economy. According to him, the presence of the Merah Putih Village Cooperative can help with the distribution of farmers’ needs, including fertiliser. “The Merah Putih Cooperative can be a solution for distributing fertiliser and agricultural needs so that they are more easily accessible to farmer groups,” he said. Ibas also encouraged the strengthening of agricultural infrastructure, particularly irrigation systems. He assessed that water availability is a key factor in increasing agricultural productivity. “We continue to push for improvements to irrigation channels so that agricultural land does not lack water and support the use of more modern farming tools so that yields become increasingly optimal,” he said.