MBG Management Transparency Expected to Spark Major Transformation for the Nation’s Younger Generation

In the midst of criticism and controversy over the impact of the MBG programme in society, many experts and public policy observers still believe that the programme’s impact can be optimal.

Professor of Political Science and Public Policy Analyst at the University of Education Indonesia (UPI), Prof. Dr. Cecep Darmawan, is convinced that if managed correctly, it is not impossible that the MBG programme will foster the development of the nation’s young generation in the next 10–20 years.

According to him, if it is managed with transparent managerial governance, targeted appropriately, and balanced with a holistic education ecosystem, the MBG programme is believed to bring about a major transformation.

‘If our children are physically healthy due to good nutrition, and balanced with strong cognition and literacy from school, Insha’Allah in the next 10 to 20 years, this programme will give birth to generations that are good and smart,’ said Prof. Cecep in his statement on Friday, 22 May 2026.

Regarding dynamics on social media, where MBG implementation often attracts sharp scrutiny and criticism, Prof. Cecep regards this as a form of public oversight that is normal.

However, he emphasised the importance of social media literacy so that the public can distinguish between constructive criticism and insults or hoaxes.

‘We cannot deny that field implementation will have weaknesses. Regard criticism as medicine. Any poorly managed aspects should be corrected promptly; kitchens that do not meet standards should be replaced. Do not blame the programme, but fix the implementation,’ he said.

At the same time, he encouraged that best practices from the MBG kitchens of SPPG and schools that have successfully implemented MBG be disseminated to counter negative narratives and serve as models for other regions.

Prof. Cecep also asserted that the public and policymakers must be able to separate the essence of the MBG programme’s vision from the technical constraints on the ground.

‘A major idea to improve the nation’s nutrition should not fall at the wayside simply because of imperfect management,’ he said.

Bluntly, Prof. Cecep offered tactical recommendations to the government, especially if facing budgetary constraints in the early stages of the implementation. He suggested focusing the programme to target those who truly need it first.