Bakom Denies Government Conditions Demo to Support MBG

JAKARTA - The Government Communication Agency (Bakom) has denied that the recent alleged support for the Free Nutritious Meal (MBG) had been conditioned. Bakom emphasized that the government respects those who support and oppose the priority program.

Acting Deputy for Partnership and Media Relations Bakom Kurnia Ramadhana said that according to laws and regulations, everyone has the right to express their opinions, whether supporting or criticizing government policies.

"Regarding the alleged conditioning of the government on demonstrations in support of MBG, I think it is not true. Because the government's position is to respect every opinion of public opinion, both pro and against," said Kurnia as quoted by ANTARA, Wednesday, June 24.

He emphasized that the government was making efforts to improve the management of the MBG Program. With the new leadership of the National Nutrition Agency (BGN), MBG implementation improvements are being carried out at all levels.

"In essence, what the government is currently doing is trying to improve itself in terms of the Free Nutritious Meal Program. Meanwhile, improvements are also being made by the new BGN leadership," he said.

Previously, a number of mass actions were held in several locations to express support for the continuation of MBG. This action occurred after students and community groups had taken to the streets to demand a total evaluation of MBG, along with a number of other demands.

Referring to the statement of the Deputy Head and Spokesperson of the BGN, Agustina Arumsari, on Thursday (18/6), the BGN decided that a number of policies of the Nutrition Fulfillment Service Unit (SPPG) would not receive incentives during the school holidays, in line with the temporary suspension of MBG distribution during the school holidays.

This step was taken to support the arrangement and standardization of program governance. He said the policy also had an impact on budget efficiency.

Based on BGN data, the number of SPPG that have operated has reached 27,820 units.

Assuming the termination of the incentive of Rp6 million per day for 18 days of the holiday period, BGN estimates that the efficiency of the SPPG incentive budget reaches around Rp3 trillion.