Support The Ministry Of Defense, But Remember The Risk: Nurhadi Emphasizes The Importance Of Coordination On The Distribution Of Free Vitamins

JAKARTA - Member of Commission IX DPR RI Nurhadi welcomed the steps taken by the Ministry of Defense (Kemhan) which distributed 4.8 million multivitamins to 100 Nutrition Fulfillment Service Units (SPPG) or Free Nutrition Food Kitchens (MBG) in the Jakarta area.

However, he reminded the Ministry of Defense to continue to coordinate with the Ministry of Health (Kemenkes), the Food and Drug Supervisory Agency (BPOM), and the National Nutrition Agency (BGN) which runs the MBG program.

"I appreciate the steps taken by the Ministry of Defense which wants to contribute to strengthening people's health resilience through the distribution of multivitamins to the Free Nutrition Food kitchen. However, this good spirit must remain in the corridor of the national health system regulated by law," said Nurhadi to reporters in Jakarta, Tuesday, October 7.

The distribution of drugs and vitamins is not just a logistical activity, but also concerns the public safety aspect. Therefore, every product that is circulated and consumed by the public must go through a strict process of testing, supervision, and certification so as not to pose a health risk.

"Without coordination with the Ministry of Health and BPOM, good intentions can lead to serious problems in the field," said Nurhadi.

According to him, the Ministry of Defense's efforts to strengthen people's health resilience should be appreciated, but it needs to be balanced with the synergy between ministries so that there is no overlapping role, especially between civilian and military institutions.

"The role of the TNI in supporting distribution can be done, but only logistical support, not replacing the technical functions of health institutions," he said.

Nurhadi also emphasized the importance of accountability and transparency in aid distribution. He asked the government to disclose beneficiary data, strengthen the surveillance system, and ensure that the entire distribution chain is under the control of competent institutions.

"We learned from the previous case where a similar program caused potential irregularities, even health problems due to unverified products," he said.

He added that public health resilience is not enough to be built through a temporary program, but must go through strengthening a sustainable, safe and reliable national health system.

A strong nation starts from a healthy people. Therefore, every policy related to public health must be based on clear regulations, careful scientific studies, and transparent cross-sectoral coordination," he concluded.

It is known that the Ministry of Defense distributed 4.8 million multivitamins to around 100 MBG kitchens in the Jakarta area on October 1, 2025.

The program is part of the Ministry of Defense's support in strengthening public health resilience and meeting the needs of TNI soldiers ahead of the TNI's 80th Anniversary.

The multivitamin named Vitarma is a product of the Center for Defense Pharmacy, the National Defense Drug Plant under the Ministry of Defense. In addition, the Ministry of Defense also handed over 17.4 million pills to the Ministry of Cooperatives and SMEs which will be distributed through the Red and White Village and Village Cooperatives (Kopdes Merah Putih) in all corners of the country.