Students and Parents in Batam Rally in Support of Free Nutritious Meals Programme

The area around the Batam City Government was packed with students, teachers, and parents on Sunday (21/6) for a leisurely walk and parade aimed at voicing support for the continuation of the Free Nutritious Meals (MBG) programme, which is currently experiencing a temporary halt. Head of the Batam City Education Office, Hendri Arulan, confirmed the participation of around 100 schools that benefit from MBG. According to him, this step was taken in response to numerous complaints from schools and parents since the distribution of nutritious meals stopped. “This activity serves as a platform for conveying aspirations. Regarding governance that may need improvement, please fix it going forward. However, this programme is very appropriate and beneficial for the growth and development of our children,” said Hendri on Sunday (21/6). Hendri stressed that the participation was purely an expression of aspiration from the education community, which has felt the real benefits of the MBG programme. A class VIII student from SMP Negeri 20 Batam admitted her attendance was a direct instruction from the school. “We were required by the school to join the leisurely walk or sports activity, just for today,” said the student. Activity Coordinator Wahyu stated that shared concern for the future of children’s nutrition was the main driving force for the crowd. The committee also claimed to have prepared strict security measures given the large number of children involved in the parade.