Zulhas Ensures BGN Partner Reports Will Be Reviewed: 'Partners Have Sacrificed a Lot'

Coordinating Minister for Food Zulkifli Hasan, who also serves as Chair of the Free Nutritious Meal (MBG) Task Force, has acknowledged the concerns of partners working with the National Nutrition Agency (BGN) and assured them that their reports will be reviewed. He stated that the government is committed to ensuring that partners who have invested and sacrificed for the success of this national strategic programme are not disadvantaged. “I understand the partners’ concerns. The partners have sacrificed a lot. All reports will definitely be checked and reviewed. Partners are asked to wait because we are also establishing communication with the new Head of BGN,” Zulkifli Hasan said during an audience with the MBG Partner Presidium at the Coordinating Ministry for Food office in Jakarta on Friday. Zulhas also confirmed that the MBG Partner Presidium will be involved in a coordination forum with BGN and other stakeholders. “The Presidium will be invited to a limited coordination meeting with BGN and related stakeholders so that various issues on the ground can be discussed and solutions found together,” he said. The audience was attended by leaders from several MBG partner organisations, including the Indonesian Nutritious Food Entrepreneurs Association (Gapembi), the Golden Generation Kitchen Partners Association (HMD GEMAS), and the Nahdlatul Ulama Executive Board (PBNU). During the meeting, the MBG Partner Presidium conveyed several aspirations, including the need for partner involvement in policy formulation, evaluation of the moratorium policy, legal protection, business certainty, and strengthening communication between BGN and implementing partners in the field. Chairman of Gapembi Alven Stony stated that partner associations need to be involved in forums, discussions, and policy formulation with BGN. He noted that the involvement of associations would serve as an effective communication bridge between BGN and field partners while helping to resolve various programme implementation obstacles. Alven also reminded that the existence of partners has made a significant contribution to the state.