Commission IX Of The House Of Representatives Regarding Burgers Becomes The MBG Menu: Don't Change The Meaning Of Nutrition Eating To Prestigious Eating

US citizens' specialty fast food burgers. (Niklas Rhose-Unsplash)

JAKARTA - Member of Commission IX DPR RI Netty Prasetiyani Aher responded to a student's request to President Prabowo Subianto for a burger to be used as a menu for the Free Nutrition Food (MBG) program. According to him, the proposal for fast food to be used as the MBG menu shows that understanding of nutrition for children is still very minimal.

"This request should not be seen as mere or funny. This shows an understanding of what is meant by nutritious food, especially among children," said Netty, Tuesday, August 5.

Netty also emphasized the importance of conducting more massive and comprehensive nutrition education in schools and families. He then asked the Government to strengthen nutrition education from an early age at school.

"Education from an early age will form a healthy mindset and eating habits. Children should know why they need vegetables, fruit, animal and vegetable protein, not just eating delicious and viral on social media," said the legislator from the West Java VIII electoral district.

In addition to nutrition education, Netty also encourages the active role of teachers and parents in directing children's understanding of healthy foods. He reminded that the meaning of a free nutritious eating program should not only be interpreted as free food.

Teachers, parents, and the media have an important role in shaping children's perceptions of food. We must ensure that this program becomes a tool for transforming Indonesian children's eating habits towards healthy and intelligent diets," he said.

Netty reminded that MBG is a strategic program of the Government in building a healthy and productive generation. So that the menu presented must be based on balanced nutritional standards, not following the fast food trend that children like.

The MBG program is a long-term investment to improve the quality of human resources. So the menu presented must be high in protein, fiber, and micro nutritional content that children need during their growth period. Not high-fat, sugar, and salt foods such as burgers," explained Netty.

"It must be remembered, this program should not change the meaning to just free meals. Don't let nutritious food lose to prestigious foods," concluded Netty.

Previously, junior high school (SMP) students in Pontianak City, West Kalimantan submitted their request to President Prabowo Subianto for hamburgers to become a menu

MBG.

The statement was made by Lutfi with his peers in grade VII SMP Negeri 25 North Pontianak after enjoying a free nutritious meal program for the last two weeks.

Lutfi said the reason the burger was asked as a free nutritious dining menu was because there was high nutrition, such as vegetables, meat and bread.