Free Nutritious Meals (MBG) is a noble program to help children meet their nutritional needs. Therefore, said Deputy Speaker of the People's Consultative Assembly (MPR RI), Dr. Eddy Soeparno, SH, MH, all parties need to support it. He emphasized that MBG is not a business or profit-seeking institution. Moreover, anyone who dares to profit by reducing the quantity and quality of food served must be severely punished to create a deterrent effect.

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The MBG is one of President Prabowo Subianto's flagship programs, touted since his presidential campaign. After his election, the program was immediately implemented within the first 100 days. There are still shortcomings here and there, but according to Eddy Soeparno, this is normal, as the program is still in its infancy.

He hopes that improvements will continue to be made over time. "There must be weekly, monthly, and quarterly and semi-annual evaluations. This is to determine the extent of progress achieved and the extent to which obstacles in the field can be resolved. This way, improvements can be made quickly. So, after six months of running the MBG, the program will be much more complete than when it was first implemented," he said.

President Prabowo is optimistic that the Free Nutritious Meal Program will have an impact on Indonesian children. "Indonesian children must be strong, intelligent, enthusiastic, and do well in school. I believe that in the near future, we will see improvements in our children's academic performance," President Prabowo said during a cabinet meeting, as reported by VOI on Wednesday, January 22.

Furthermore, the MBG is also expected to have an economic impact on farmers, fishermen, and MSMEs around the kitchens where the food is processed. "It's appropriate to involve local farmers, livestock breeders, fishermen, and MSMEs in this Free Nutritious Meals program. This way, the MBG can stimulate the rural economy. Furthermore, the distribution channel is shorter. From farmers, the food goes directly to the MBG kitchen," Eddy Soeparno told VOI's Edy Suherli, Bambang Eros, and Irfan Meidianto, who met him at the DPR/MPR Building on Gatot Soebroto street, Jakarta, recently. Here's the full excerpt.

What is your opinion on the implementation of the MBG program so far? Has it met its initial goal of improving children's nutrition?

In the past few days of implementing the MBG, I've seen firsthand what's happening in the field. First, the children seem enthusiastic about and welcoming the MBG program. They seem to be eating their meals with gusto. This program can help minimize disparities in schools. Some children bring lunches and others don't. If everyone brings lunches, the side dishes they bring will also vary.

Nutritionally, I think it's good. However, the taste may not be as savory as the snacks children typically buy. Some say the food is bland. So, it's certainly different from the taste of children's snacks, as these foods are designed by nutritionists who prioritize health.

As a first step, what do you think of this program?

Managing the kitchen for the MBG program is not an easy task. There are so many children to feed, and the food must be delivered on time. However, as a first step, I think this program deserves praise.

What do you think should be done about the taste complaints children have?

We must educate parents that this food is healthy and nutritious. If the taste is lacking, that's the reality. However, this food will provide good benefits for the body. Going forward, parents should start reducing snacks for children that are rich in taste but low in nutrition. This is not good for children's growth and health.

How will the implementation of the MBG be monitored?

There must be field supervisors who coordinate with the National Nutrition Agency (BGN). They must provide evaluations of the program's implementation. Security forces such as the Military District Command (Kodim) are also involved to assist. However, going forward, BGN must have field inspectors who will monitor and evaluate the program's implementation. They must ensure that the food quality remains good and that there are no reductions in serving.

Ideally, how long should program evaluations be conducted?

There should be weekly, monthly, and quarterly and six-monthly evaluations. This is to determine the extent of progress achieved and the extent to which obstacles in the field have been resolved. This way, improvements can be made quickly. Therefore, after six months of running the MBG, the program will be much more advanced than when it was first implemented.

What about involving MSMEs and farmers in the surrounding area?

It's fitting that local farmers, livestock breeders, fishermen, and MSMEs be involved in the MBG program. This way, MBG can stimulate the rural economy. Furthermore, the distribution channel is shorter, going directly from farmers to the MBG kitchen.

Experts suggest that MBG use local raw materials, such as corn, sorghum, sweet potatoes, etc., so it doesn't always have to use rice. What do you think?

Each region has its own local wisdom and unique local foods. It would be good if the MBG program also uses ingredients like corn, sorghum, sweet potatoes, etc. The most important thing is that nutritional aspects are met. MBG implementers can be creative with locally available ingredients.

The budget allocated for this MBG is IDR 71 trillion. Coordinating Minister Zulkifli suggested that the budget could be increased if it's not enough. Given the current difficult state of the country's finances, is this feasible?

The IDR 71 trillion budget is the result of discussions between the Minister of Finance and relevant institutions such as the House of Representatives (DPR), the National Land Agency (BGN), and others. After the calculations, the figure emerged. However, the public can also participate in this program, for example by contributing to building a public kitchen or donating additional side dishes.

The budget of IDR 10,000 per child for one free meal may be sufficient for some areas, but in others it may not be sufficient. What's the solution?

For areas outside Java with longer distances, transportation costs are indeed more expensive. However, the program must continue to run with the existing budget. For the next period, I hope there will be flexibility in the budget to better adapt to the conditions in each region.

What can be done to ensure the sustainability of the MBG program?

First, evaluations must be conducted periodically to address any emerging issues. Improvements must be made continuously as the program progresses, from the kitchen and food processing to delivery and raw material procurement to storage of purchased materials.

Does the House of Representatives (DPR) have the tools to conduct oversight in the field?

One of the DPR's functions is to conduct oversight. Indeed, the commissions that partner with the National Land Agency (BGN) are the ones that carry out intensive oversight. However, each council member must also conduct oversight in their respective constituencies. Like me, I will be conducting oversight in Bogor City.

How will inter-agency coordination ensure the implementation of the MBG program is on target?

The National Education Agency (BGN) has been preparing for quite some time, and coordination is already underway. Now, what needs to be done is to expedite and accelerate this program so that the MBG coverage can be expanded so that more students can benefit. Furthermore, an evaluation of the economic impact of the MBG program is necessary. There have also been complaints from school canteens about a decrease in their revenue due to this program. This also needs to be addressed.

Compared to other countries that have also implemented nutritious meal programs, how are the differences?

Comparison is difficult, because other countries have been implementing these programs for decades, while we are just starting. Even if we want to make a comparison, it would be better after the program has been running for a year or more. We can adopt good practices that have been implemented in other countries, even if the implementation cannot be exactly the same here.

We hope that the government will implement the MBG program not simply to fulfill a campaign promise, but with sincerity so that its benefits are truly felt by Indonesian children. What is your response?

I agree with this hope. This is a new milestone in our lives. We will have a new generation of excellence in the next 20 years. Hopefully, the superior human resources produced will be able to compete globally.

I've received complaints that some schools have already received this program, but others haven't. What's the explanation?

It's true that some schools have received it now, while others will receive it next month. This program is being implemented in stages and evenly for every registered school. It's a kind of incentive, and hopefully, companies and communities who can afford it will be moved to set up public kitchens or donate to the MBG.

To prevent leaks, what can be done to monitor it?

Massive public awareness campaigns must be conducted that the MBG program is a child's right and must be provided properly. It's also important to educate all parties involved so they don't reduce the quantity or quality of food for greater profits. This is especially true if anyone is not working seriously in implementing this program. Those who commit fraud must be punished. Their actions must not set a bad example for others. With strict punishment, it's hoped that there will be a deterrent effect.

So, the MBG is not really a business venture, but a form of charity?

Yes, that's how it should be. The reward is immense, providing food for children studying. It would be shameful for anyone to profit from this MBG program, especially if they engage in fraud or embezzlement of MBG funds. We must collectively monitor this program to ensure it runs smoothly and reaches its intended target.

Eddy Soeparno Practices the Prophet's Sunnah in Eating Matters

Healthy living tips vary from person to person. Deputy Speaker of the People's Consultative Assembly (MPR RI), Dr. Eddy Soeparno, SH, MH, also has his own way of maintaining his health. He maintains a healthy diet, moderates overeating, and exercises regularly. When it comes to eating, he follows the Sunnah of the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him).

When it comes to food, Eddy is very disciplined. "I also eat nutritious food like the kids in the MBG program, but the difference is I don't eat it for free, hehehe," he said with his trademark laugh.

At his current age, Eddy has reduced his rice portions and increased his vegetable consumption. "I also cut back on fried foods," said Eddy, who chooses fruit for breakfast.

Although he limits his portions, Eddy doesn't restrict the types of food. "The point is, I can eat all foods. I still enjoy Padang food and fatty foods, just in small portions," said the father of Sasongko Soeparno and Safiyya Azzahra.

Eddy applies the sunnah of the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) in his diet. "The Prophet taught us to divide our stomachs into three parts: one-third for food, one-third for water, and one-third left empty. Most importantly, stop eating before you're full," he explained.

However, he sometimes violates this principle when his wife cooks. "My wife's cooking is delicious, unlike the maid's cooking. Back then, before we had a maid, my wife cooked. As time went on, cooking duties were delegated to the maid. That's why, when my wife is the chef, my portions are a little larger. The kids are also more enthusiastic about eating when their mother cooks," admitted the husband of Sawitri Hardjoprakoso.

It's no surprise that his wife's cooking is even more delicious, as she is a culinary school graduate. "Her specialty is actually pastry, but she's also good at other dishes, including contemporary cuisine," said the man whose full name is Mohammad Eddy Dwiyanto Soeparno.

If you just stay at home, your family will be confused.

Before becoming active in politics, Eddy Soeparno spent almost three decades working in the financial sector. "When I was a banker, my office was in Singapore. But I also worked in Hong Kong and other Southeast Asian countries. So, my family was used to my busy schedule," said the man born in Jakarta on May 6, 1965.

When he transitioned to politics, his schedule remained the same, even though the field was different. "The transition from finance to politics wasn't too stark," said the former Secretary General of the National Mandate Party (PAN).

Because of this, his wife and children understand his busy schedule. "In fact, if I just stay at home, they're the ones who are confused, 'Why is Dad always at home?'" he said with a laugh. However, he still dedicates his weekends to his family if there are no party or parliamentary activities.

Prohibit Children from Joining Political Parties Before They Are Mature

Eddy and Sawitri Hardjoprakoso give their children the freedom to pursue work and careers in any field. "I'm temporarily forbidding it, though. I told them not to get involved in politics until they're financially stable," he said. His eldest son currently works for a company.

He wants to instill the values inherited from his father, the late M. Soeparno, who served as President Director of Garuda Indonesia (1988–1992). "My father started his career as a porter, then became a department head, then head of the Garuda office in Jakarta, and finally became President Director of Garuda Indonesia. I want my children to understand that, despite the hardships, their grandfather achieved the highest position in the company. Moreover, he, who has had everything, should be able to do even better," said Eddy, who has played tennis regularly since he was young and has now switched to cycling.

Eddy Soeparno's prohibition on his children entering politics can be lifted if they achieve career success. "I strongly agree with the principle that before becoming a politician, one must be independent and financially stable. As politicians, we must not compromise our ideals and must maintain our convictions, without relying on any particular party. I practice this myself. So, don't use politics as a means of finding a job," he stressed.

"Each region has its own local wisdom and unique local foods. It's a good idea for the MBG program to also incorporate ingredients like corn, sorghum, sweet potatoes, and others. The important thing is that nutritional aspects are met, and that MBG implementers can be creative with locally available ingredients."