MBG to Continue, Prabowo Demands Strict Oversight
The Free Nutritious Meals (MBG) programme will be continued by the government. President Prabowo Subianto has asked all regional heads and security forces to oversee its implementation.
“We will continue MBG. But we understand and are aware that many are infiltrating MBG to become thieves there,” said Prabowo during the inauguration of five dams in Indonesia in Lombok, Friday (10/7).
Prabowo acknowledged that there are still parties attempting to profit from the government’s flagship programme. Therefore, he asked governors, regents, sub-district heads, and village heads not to hesitate to inspect all MBG kitchens in their respective areas. If they find suspected irregularities, they are asked to report them immediately to the Head of the National Nutrition Agency (BGN) or directly to the president.
“So I ask governors, regents, sub-district heads, village heads, you may inspect all MBG kitchens. You inspect them. Report to the Head of BGN. If necessary, report to me. It’s easy. Speak up on TikTok. I will immediately send a team. No need to bother with this or that phone number,” he said.
Similar instructions were also directed to the ranks of the TNI and Polri. However, Prabowo reminded them that supervision should be carried out to help the programme run, not to become a means of seeking personal gain.
“Dandim, Kapolres, Kapolsek, please inspect. Meaning with good intentions. Don’t call people up to fleece them. Don’t. I have been an Indonesian for a long time. Calling people up to ask for kickbacks,” he stressed.
Besides government officials, Prabowo invited the public to participate in overseeing the implementation of MBG. According to him, the public now has broad access to information and can play an active role in reporting various irregularities.
“Let the people oversee it. The people are not stupid now. The people have gadgets,” he said.
On that occasion, Prabowo also highlighted the quality of food served to beneficiaries. He advised that food ingredients, especially side dishes, should not be reduced in pursuit of profit. He even suggested that eggs be served boiled or sunny-side up so the portions are clearer.
“For us, one chicken is cut into eight or ten. At the smallest, twelve. Don’t let it be cut into eighteen or twenty-two,” he said.
Prabowo emphasised that the MBG Programme has a strategic role because it is aimed at improving the quality of the nation’s future generations. According to him, proper nutritional intake will support children’s brain and physical development so they can grow into superior human resources.