MPR Appreciates Prabowo's Steps to Evaluate MBG for Greater Targeted Effectiveness

Jakarta (ANTARA) - Deputy Chairman of the MPR RI, Eddy Soeparno, has appreciated President Prabowo Subianto’s move to prioritise the distribution of the Free Nutritious Meals (MBG) programme to ensure it reaches children who truly need it. According to Eddy, President Prabowo’s policy to evaluate the MBG programme is also appropriate because, amid tight fiscal space, programme efficiency is a realistic decision. “From the beginning of his administration, the President has always worked based on the principle of no one left behind, especially for economically vulnerable communities who need it most,” Eddy said in Jakarta on Saturday. In addition, he stated that President Prabowo’s step to prioritise MBG for children in need demonstrates the government’s bias towards the principle of social justice. Thus, public policy is directed to reach the most vulnerable groups first. “This decision reflects the government’s sensitivity to real conditions in the field. Prioritising areas in need is a concrete form of need-based policy in regions vulnerable to malnutrition or poverty,” he said. Eddy added that this need-based approach is important to ensure the effectiveness of the MBG programme, particularly in efforts to reduce stunting rates, improve child nutrition quality, and support Indonesia’s future human resource development. “We hope that the provision of MBG in the future is based on data accuracy so that those entitled to receive MBG consistently get the nutritional intake provided by the state,” he said. He also emphasised that the implementation of this programme must be accompanied by strict supervision, given the many complaints about the quality and portions of MBG food that do not meet the criteria set by BGN. “During various visits to regions, we received input about SPPG that has not been trustworthy in carrying out its functions by reducing the volume or quality of food that is the right of the recipients,” he said. Eddy also reminded all SPPG managers to work diligently and honestly, and never take “shortcuts” to gain big profits. Taking someone else’s rights, Eddy added, is not only wrong behaviour but also shows the low morals of the perpetrators. “Therefore, I urge all SPPG managers to provide the best quality and food services for our children,” he said.