NTB Governor Receives Aspirations from Women Regarding Continuation of Free Nutritious Meal Programme

The Free Nutritious Meal (MBG) programme has reportedly created a multiplier effect directly felt by the community. This was expressed by thousands of volunteers from the Nutrition Fulfilment Service Unit (SPPG) from various regions in West Nusa Tenggara (NTB) who visited the office of NTB Governor Lalu Muhamad Iqbal on Monday, 22 June 2026. They came to voice their support for the MBG programme while urging the government to ensure its continuation, as it is deemed to provide tangible benefits to the community. Field Coordinator Sawaludin Aweng stated, ‘This is not just a free meal programme. There is a significant economic impact. Money circulates in the village, traders thrive, farmers gain a market, and the community gets jobs.’ The mass action comprised various groups, including housewives and young people working as SPPG volunteers, owners of foundations or MBG kitchens, and members of the Indonesian Farmers’ Harmony Association (HKTI). He explained that the presence of thousands of volunteers was a show of support for the continuation of the MBG programme, which has brought positive impacts, particularly in improving 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 fulfilling our children’s nutritional needs,’ Sawaludin said. According to him, the benefits of the MBG programme are not only felt by the recipients but have also stimulated the local economy at the village level. ‘This programme opens employment opportunities for local communities. Many young people work in MBG kitchens, and farmers and traders also benefit because raw materials are purchased from the surrounding community,’ he stated. During the action, the volunteers also requested that NTB Governor Lalu Muhamad Iqbal convey an official stance supporting the continuation of the MBG programme in the region. ‘We hope the Governor can convey these aspirations to the central government and show full support for the sustainability of the MBG programme in NTB,’ Sawaludin said. Apart from Sawaludin, former Chairperson of the West Lombok Regency Legislative Council (DPRD), Nurhidayah, also delivered a speech. In her oration, she affirmed that the MBG programme has delivered real benefits to the community and must therefore be maintained.