NTB Governor Receives Aspirations from Women Regarding Continuation of Free Nutritious Meal Programme
Mataram, VIVA - The Free Nutritious Meal (MBG) programme is said to have created a multiplier effect that is directly felt by the community.
This was revealed by thousands of volunteers from the Nutrition Fulfillment Service Unit (SPPG) from various regions in West Nusa Tenggara (NTB) who visited the Office of the Governor of NTB, Lalu Muhamad Iqbal, today, Monday, 22 June 2026.
They arrived to voice their support for the MBG programme while requesting that the government ensure its continuity, as it is deemed to provide tangible benefits to the public.
“This is not just a free meal programme. There is a significant economic impact. Money circulates in the villages, traders can make a living, farmers gain a market, and the community gains employment,” said the field coordinator of the protest, Sawal_udin Aweng.
The group consisted of various demographics, ranging from mothers and young people working as SPPG volunteers, owners of MBG foundations or kitchens, to members of the Indonesian Farmers Association (HKTI).
He stated that the presence of thousands of volunteers serves as a form of support for the sustainability of the MBG Programme, which is considered to have brought positive impacts to the community, particularly in efforts to improve the nutrition of school children.
“We are here to convey that the Free Nutritious Meal Programme must continue. This programme is not just about food, but concerns the future of the younger generation and the nutritional fulfilment of our children,” said Sawaludin.
According to him, the benefits of the MBG programme are not only felt by the beneficiaries but have also mobilised the community’s economic wheels at the village level.
“This programme creates job opportunities for local people. Many youths are working in MBG kitchens, and farmers and traders also benefit because raw materials are purchased from the surrounding community,” he added.
During the demonstration, volunteers also requested that the Governor of NTB, Lalu Muhamad Iqbal, convey an official stance supporting the continuity of the MBG Programme in the region.
“We hope the Governor can convey these aspirations to the central government and demonstrate full support for the sustainability of the MBG programme in NTB,” said Sawaludin.
In addition to Sawaludin, an oration was also delivered by the former Chairperson of the West Lombok Regional House of Representatives (DPRD), Nurhidayah. In her speech, she emphasised that the MBG Programme has provided a real impact on the community and therefore needs to be maintained.