MBG Improvement Moratorium Must Be Transparent
The Association of Indonesian Free Nutritious Meal Entrepreneurs and Managers (APPMBGI) supports the evaluation and temporary moratorium on the implementation of the Free Nutritious Meal (MBG) Programme. However, the organisation has cautioned that the improvement process must not be used as a tool for political interests and must provide certainty for partners and investors who have contributed to the programme.
This stance was conveyed by APPMBGI following various issues that have overshadowed the MBG programme in recent weeks, including the detention of several former leaders of the National Nutrition Agency (BGN) by the Attorney General’s Office, the moratorium policy on the construction of Nutrition Service Fulfilment Unit (SPPG) kitchens, and the issuance of a new circular letter that has sparked debate among business actors.
APPMBGI Chairman Abdul Rivai Ras stressed that MBG is a strategic national programme with a vital role in improving the quality of Indonesia’s human resources. Therefore, he argued, the programme must not fail due to the actions of a few individuals.
“The MBG programme is a noble and strategic programme of great importance for the future of the nation and state, particularly in efforts to improve the quality of Indonesia’s human resources. A programme this good is too important to fail and should not be tarnished by the immoral and irresponsible behaviour of certain individuals,” Abdul Rivai said in a statement on Sunday (21/6).
According to APPMBGI, the change of leadership at BGN following the detention of several officials should be used as momentum to carry out comprehensive governance reforms. The organisation, which has chapters in all 38 provinces, stated it continues to support the sustainability of the MBG programme but believes the evaluation must yield tangible improvements.
“We agree with the evaluation and moratorium in the hope that during this transition period, the National Nutrition Agency will truly undertake positive reforms, becoming more accountable, transparent, and having governance that is fully answerable to the public,” he said.
Furthermore, APPMBGI identified four main aspects that must be the focus during the moratorium period. First, the reform of BGN’s governance and accountability, including kitchen supervision systems, fund disbursement mechanisms to partners, and food quality and safety standards.
Second, the government must provide certainty to partners and investors who have spent capital to build facilities, purchase equipment, and recruit workers. According to APPMBGI, the moratorium must not continue without a clear time limit.
Third, communication between the government and implementing partners must be strengthened, particularly regarding technical policies and operational circulars that could affect programme implementation on the ground.
Fourth, the evaluation process must be free from political interests and solely oriented towards governance improvement.
Abdul Rivai also specifically warned that the various dynamics occurring within the MBG programme should not be exploited for practical political purposes.
“We ask all parties that during this transition and improvement period, no one politicises the MBG issue for personal or group interests. This programme is too important for the future of the nation’s children and must not be used as a political tool,” he asserted.
Furthermore, APPMBGI hopes the evaluation and moratorium process will produce more mature policies without unilaterally burdening partners, investors, or SPPG managers who have so far supported the programme’s implementation.
Abdul Rivai also urged BGN to open a more intensive dialogue space with all stakeholders to ensure every policy taken is on target and acceptable to all parties.
“We also strongly hope that BGN will more intensively conduct dialogue and communication with all partners and stakeholders involved in all dimensions of MBG implementation. Only through good and open communication can the decisions taken later be truly precise, fair, and beneficial to all parties,” he concluded.
APPMBGI further affirmed it will remain a constructive partner to the government and BGN in the process of reforming MBG governance. The organisation hopes the government’s flagship programme can resume operations transparently and accountably, providing optimal nutritional benefits for millions of Indonesian children.