Protect the Free Nutritious Meals Programme from Politicisation
Bendahara Umum Tunas Indonesia Raya (Tidar) Jakarta Barat, Noverizky Tri Putra, has reminded the public to be wary of certain parties allegedly attempting to exploit the Free Nutritious Meals (MBG) programme for political gain. Noverizky stated that the government-initiated programme has a noble objective to improve the quality of nutrition for the community, especially children and students.
However, he noted a tendency among some groups to steer public opinion by leveraging various dynamics occurring in the programme’s implementation. Noverizky urged the public to remain objective in viewing the MBG programme and not be easily swayed by narratives that may not align with facts on the ground. He suspects there are groups trying to reap political benefits by manipulating issues surrounding the programme’s execution.
According to Noverizky, criticism of the MBG programme’s implementation is normal in public policy. However, such criticism should be directed towards improving the programme, not used as a tool for short-term political interests. “Do not let a programme intended to help the community be turned into a political commodity by certain parties seeking profit or popularity,” Noverizky said in a statement on Tuesday (23/6).
He stressed that the MBG programme is fundamentally a positive step that deserves support from various parties. The programme is expected to help address nutritional issues while supporting the growth and development of Indonesia’s young generation. Nevertheless, Noverizky acknowledged that the implementation of the MBG programme still faces several challenges in the field. He recognised that a nationwide programme inevitably requires ongoing adjustments and evaluation. Therefore, constructive input and criticism remain necessary to improve the quality of the programme’s execution going forward.
Noverizky assessed that the government must also continuously monitor and evaluate the programme’s implementation so that the benefits are truly felt by the community. He considers improvements in governance, distribution, and oversight mechanisms to be crucial elements that must be continuously strengthened. By doing so, emerging obstacles can be promptly addressed without diminishing the programme’s primary objectives. Noverizky hopes that all parties will prioritise the public interest in responding to the MBG programme. He also called on the public not to be easily provoked by unverified information and to view the programme proportionally. “If there are shortcomings, let us fix them together. But this good programme should not be exploited for certain political interests,” he said.
According to Noverizky, the success of the MBG programme is not solely the government’s responsibility but also requires support and oversight from all elements of society. He therefore hopes that the public sphere can be filled with healthy discussions and constructive solutions so that the Free Nutritious Meals programme can truly deliver maximum benefits to the Indonesian people.