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🇮🇩 Indonesia /Health & Science

Adidaya Institute Pushes for Better Governance of Indonesia's Free Nutritious Meal Program

From Republika · () Indonesian

Translated from Indonesian, summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.

At a glance

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  • The Adidaya Institute urges improved governance for Indonesia's Free Nutritious Meal Program (MBG) under new leadership.
  • A survey shows 71.5% public support for MBG, with 67.6% reporting direct family benefits.
  • The program is seen as vital for child nutrition and a long-term investment in human capital, despite challenges like potential corruption and budget use needing evaluation.

The Adidaya Institute is calling for a significant overhaul of the governance of Indonesia's Free Nutritious Meal Program (MBG), urging the new leadership at the National Nutrition Agency (BGN) to seize this opportunity for improvement.

This push comes amid strong public backing for the program. A survey by the Adidaya Institute reveals that 71.5% of respondents support the MBG's continuation, and 67.6% believe it has directly benefited their families. Rahman Toha, Executive Director of the Adidaya Institute, expressed hope that the new BGN leadership will enhance the program's implementation, focusing on governance, menu quality, and its broader economic impact.

"In the future, this program should not only be nutritious but also delicious and varied," Toha stated during a discussion. He highlighted MBG's multifaceted benefits, including job creation for 1.5 million people and the acceleration of the food supply chain, which stimulates economic activity and improves community welfare.

In the future, this program should not only be nutritious but also delicious and varied.

— Rahman TohaThe Executive Director of Adidaya Institute outlines desired improvements for the Free Nutritious Meal Program.

The Adidaya Institute also pointed to a Constitutional Court ruling that separated MBG's budget from education funding, providing certainty for the program's sustainability and affirming its constitutionality. However, the institute stressed the need for ongoing evaluation, particularly concerning the program's budget allocation.

Despite high public support, the Adidaya Institute's survey identified areas needing attention. Governance issues were the most frequently cited concern at 24.9%, followed by budget concerns (23.9%) and the potential for corruption (18.1%). Prof. Ikeu Tanziha, a public nutrition expert from IPB University, emphasized that MBG is a crucial state responsibility for ensuring children's right to nutritious food and represents a long-term investment in human capital. She noted that every investment in nutrition interventions is estimated to yield returns of up to 16 times, underscoring the program's importance for cognitive development, national productivity, and economic growth, even as national nutrition challenges persist.

Every investment in nutrition interventions is estimated to provide a return of benefits up to 16 times.

— Prof. Ikeu TanzihaA nutrition expert highlights the significant economic returns of investing in nutritional programs.
DistantNews Editorial

Originally published by Republika in Indonesian. Translated, summarized, and contextualized by our editorial team with added local perspective. Read our editorial standards.

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