Thousands of Free Nutritious Meal Programme Partners Rally Peacefully in Trenggalek to Show Support
Trenggalek, East Java - More than 3,000 volunteers and partners of the Nutrition Fulfilment Service Unit (SPPG), organised under the Free Nutritious Meal (MBG) Partner Association of Trenggalek Regency, held a peaceful protest in front of the Trenggalek Regional House of Representatives (DPRD) building in East Java on Monday to voice their support for the programme’s sustainability.
The crowd, which gathered at the Pasar Pon Trengcalek courtyard, marched towards the DPRD office under security escort. Carrying banners and posters, participants delivered orations expressing support for President Prabowo Subianto’s priority programme, citing its widespread benefits for the community.
The protesters represented various elements within the MBG ecosystem, including SPPG managers, farmers, livestock breeders, fishermen, MSME owners, and volunteers. They argued that the MBG programme benefits not only recipients such as school students, toddlers, pregnant women, and the elderly, but also stimulates the regional economy by absorbing local products and creating jobs.
Imam Waldi, Chairman of the Trenggalek MBG Partner Association, stated that the protest presented three primary demands. First, to support the continuity of the MBG programme while ensuring thorough evaluations to improve implementation quality. Second, to push for the cleansing of the programme from corruption and abuse of power, alongside transparent law enforcement against violators. Third, to request greater involvement for MSMEs and local products within the MBG programme’s supply chain.
“This action is a form of our support for President Prabowo’s strategic programme. This programme has proven to benefit many layers of society and needs to continue with various improvements,” said Imam. He added that the existence of the SPPG has created many new job opportunities while opening markets for local agricultural, livestock, and fishery products. Consequently, those directly benefiting from the programme hope that the MBG will continue and improve in the future.
The aspirations received a positive response from the Trenggalek DPRD. The Chairman of the Trenggalek DPRD, Doding Rahmadi, who received the group’s representatives alongside other council members, stated that all demands would be forwarded to the central government.
According to Doding, the substance of the community’s demands aligns with the DPRD’s view: supporting the continuity of the MBG accompanied by thorough evaluation, the eradication of corrupt practices, and the strengthening of the role of local products in its implementation.
“Today, we received aspirations from approximately 3,000 community members belonging to the MBG Partner Association. All aspirations will be collected and followed up to be conveyed to the central government,” he said.
He added that the Trenggalek DPRD had previously held audiences with various community elements, including students, regarding the governance of the MBG programme in the region. From those forums, several recommendations emerged to strengthen oversight and improve the performance of MBG task forces in the area.
According to Doding, one issue of concern is the lack of a representative office for the National Nutrition Agency (BGN) in Trenggalek. This situation makes it difficult for the public to access information or submit complaints regarding the programme’s implementation.
“We hope that in the future, oversight becomes stronger, governance improves, and the community can access information regarding the MBG programme more easily,” he said.