NTB Governor Warns SPPG Not to Seek Profit Margins from Free Nutritious Meals Programme

West Nusa Tenggara Governor Lalu Muhamad Iqbal has issued a stern rebuke to several managers of Nutritional Service Units (SPPG) who were found to be taking additional margins or profits from the procurement of raw materials for the Free Nutritious Meals (MBG) programme. The warning was delivered by Lalu Muhamad Iqbal whilst addressing a crowd of demonstrators who wanted the MBG programme to continue, in front of the gates of the NTB Governor’s Office in Mataram on Monday. Iqbal admitted he had conducted direct inspections at several locations and found indications of profit-seeking practices outside the rules set by the government. “I know, and I have visited several places. There are still SPPGs seeking additional profit margins from raw materials, which ultimately causes the quality of the MBG menu to decline,” said Iqbal. According to him, the MBG programme must not be turned into a field for personal profit. He reminded that every rupiah allocated in the programme is intended to ensure that children’s nutritional needs are properly met, not to increase the profits of certain parties. Therefore, he asked all SPPG managers to stop the practice of taking margins beyond the provisions. He also reminded the managers to straighten their intentions in running the programme that targets the basic needs of children. “For those who have never taken additional margins from raw materials, alhamdulillah. But for those who are still doing it, stop starting today. Repent, seek forgiveness, and straighten your intentions,” he stressed. Iqbal asserted there is no room for tolerance for anyone who plays foul in the nutrition programme for children. He even claimed to have recorded the commitments of SPPG managers and will push for firm action if similar violations are found in the future. “If this MBG programme is continued and there are still those taking extra margins from raw material purchases, I will be the first person to ask the task force and the National Nutrition Agency (BGN) to arrest and shut down the SPPG that does it,” he said. Iqbal added that the quality of food and children’s right to proper nutrition must not be sacrificed for the interests of a few individuals seeking additional profit. Iqbal also promised that the aspirations of the demonstrators would be forwarded to the central government. The peaceful protest was attended by thousands of people supporting the continuation of the MBG programme. The rally was held in front of the NTB Governor’s Office in Mataram City. “We strongly support President Prabowo’s policy to implement clean and corruption-free governance of the BGN with justice in strategic partnerships,” asserted Aweng. He stated that the people of NTB strongly support President Prabowo’s flagship programme because it greatly favours the livelihoods of local farmers, livestock breeders, fishermen, and MSMEs. A similar sentiment was expressed by women’s activist and former Chairperson of the West Lombok Regency DPRD, Nurhidayah, who stated that their mass action was a form of support for President Prabowo in continuing the MBG programme. She reminded the crowd not to be intimidated by envious parties calling for the programme’s termination. “We must not stay silent; we must fight attempts to stop the MBG. They do not know that many women in NTB are not working abroad because of this MBG. If this programme is stopped, I am sure there will be massive unemployment in NTB. Is this region able to open jobs other than through the MBG?” she said.