Komeng says Free Nutritious Meals programme is sound and must be supported

Senator Alfiansyah Bustami, widely known as Komeng, has stated that the Free Nutritious Meals (MBG) programme is based on a sound concept and should therefore be continuously supported through optimal implementation. “Actually, all of the President’s programmes are good. It is just the execution that has not been proper. So hopefully those involved now are more aware. Hopefully it will be good, because the MBG is indeed good, and its concept is also good,” Komeng said at the parliamentary complex in Jakarta on Friday. Komeng expressed hope that the future implementation of the MBG would improve following the appointment of Sudaryono as Head of the National Nutrition Agency (BGN). He argued that improvements in execution are necessary so that the programme’s concept can deliver the benefits intended by the government. In addition to commenting on the MBG, Komeng also touched on national food security amid the current regional situation. He said Indonesia should be grateful for its food availability, which means it does not depend entirely on rice imports. He highlighted the geopolitical conditions and Indonesia’s food resilience, which he believes must be continuously strengthened so that national food needs can be met independently. Komeng made these remarks while attending the 2026 Annual Session of the People’s Consultative Assembly (MPR) and the Joint Session of the House of Representatives (DPR) and the Regional Representative Council (DPD), held to mark the 81st Anniversary of the Independence of the Republic of Indonesia. During the agenda, President Prabowo Subianto delivered a performance report of state institutions and a state address for the 81st Independence Day. The government also screened a video showcasing its performance achievements. The 2026 Annual Session of the MPR and the Joint Session of the DPR and DPD carried the theme “A Sovereign, Just, and Prosperous Indonesia.”