Ombudsman Urges Two-Way Communication Between National Nutrition Agency and Free Nutritious Meal Programme Partners
The Indonesian Ombudsman (ORI) is urging for two-way communication between the National Nutrition Agency (BGN) and its partners in formulating policies for the Free Nutritious Meal (MBG) programme to ensure better governance.
During a meeting between ORI and MBG partners in Jakarta on Thursday, several issues were raised, including the lack of optimal communication between the BGN and its partners regarding policy formulation and implementation.
Ombudsman member Nuzran Joher stated that ORI aims to act as a catalyst and mediator to build communication. “The Ombudsman wants to be a catalyst and mediator to build communication, how we must listen to the aspirations of all parties in order to make decisions that are softer and more acceptable to the public,” Joher said, as confirmed in Jakarta on Wednesday.
ORI will internally discuss the aspirations related to improving the MBG programme’s governance and develop them through the Ombudsman Rapid Response (RCO) or Own-Initiative Investigations (IAPS).
Fellow Ombudsman member Fikri Yasin explained that ORI had previously provided a number of improvement suggestions to relevant parties regarding the implementation of the MBG programme. He noted that the aspirations received during the meeting would be considered by ORI in determining follow-up actions. ORI views the meeting positively as a step towards encouraging improvements in MBG governance.
“However good the government’s initial intentions are, the methods and processes need to be improved and corrected. This MBG is one of the programmes to stimulate the economy,” Fikri said. He added that ORI also plans to convey the results of the audience to the Head of BGN and related parties to open a constructive dialogue.
Separately, the President’s Special Envoy for Energy and Climate, Hashim Djojohadikusumo, has stressed that the Free Nutritious Meal programme for children and pregnant women will not be halted. Speaking at an event in Jakarta on Friday evening, Hashim stated that MBG is a firm commitment of President Prabowo Subianto.
“I think it is no longer a secret that the government is determined to continue the MBG programme, it will not stop until we succeed. We provide nutritious food for all children and pregnant women who need nutritious food. That is a determination, a campaign promise of Prabowo Subianto, it will not stop, it will be continued,” he said. Hashim noted that the MBG programme has been an idea of President Prabowo since around 2006, driven by his aspiration to improve the health of Indonesian children suffering from stunting.