Mothers in Yogyakarta Appeal to Finance Minister to Stop Free Nutritious Meals Programme
An unusual moment occurred when Finance Minister Purbaya Yudhi Sadewa visited Yogyakarta on Tuesday afternoon (17 March). He was approached by two women who complained about the free nutritious meals programme (MBG) and requested that it be stopped.
The incident happened as Purbaya was about to cross from Malioboro Terrace (TM) to Beringharjo Market. As he prepared to cross the road, he was called over and approached by two women wearing headscarves.
Initially, the two women simply greeted the minister and shook his hand. However, after the handshake, one of the women voiced a complaint about the MBG programme to Purbaya.
“Sir, please stop MBG, please sir, stop it yes sir. MBG is unfair sir,” said one of the women to Purbaya on Tuesday afternoon (17 March).
“There are many inequities sir, if possible could it be converted to money sir,” she added.
The other woman then chimed in with her own complaint, mentioning that her child was reluctant to eat the MBG meals.
“It’s true many are complaining, my child doesn’t want to eat MBG sir, please,” said the other woman.
Purbaya responded to the complaints with a brief laugh. He then promised to convey their concerns to President Prabowo Subianto.
“Let’s make it more effective then. I will relay this to President sir,” Purbaya replied.
Purbaya was conducting an official visit to Yogyakarta. According to detikJogja, Purbaya arrived at Malioboro Terrace around 13:35 WIB (West Indonesian Time). He was received directly by DIY Governor Sri Sultan Hamengku Buwono X together with members of the Forkopimda (regional leadership forum).
Afterwards, the two held a discussion in the Cendrawasih room at Malioboro Terrace. Following their conversation, Purbaya, the Sultan, and their entourage walked around Malioboro Terrace. Purbaya paused at one t-shirt vendor’s stall and purchased several pieces. He also tried on and bought lurik (traditional Indonesian fabric) from another stall.
The entourage then moved to Beringharjo Market, located across from Malioboro Terrace. Purbaya’s presence attracted the attention of both residents and tourists. At Beringharjo, Purbaya visited a shop to purchase batik cloth, spending considerable time selecting fabrics at one store.
Afterwards, the entourage continued their walk to the southern entrance of Beringharjo Market. They subsequently left the market using the Jogja Heritage Track (JHT).