Many Protests, Members of Commission IX of the DPR Ask BGN to Evaluate the MBG Ramadan Menu

Illustration of the MBG Program. (Ist)

Member of Commission IX of the Indonesian House of Representatives, Neng Eem Marhamah Zulfa Hiz, highlighted the Free Nutritious Food (MBG) menu in Ramadan which was protested by parents of students. Neng Eem urged the National Nutrition Agency (BGN) to immediately conduct a thorough evaluation following the findings of the menu which was considered not worthy and far from the nutritional standards promised.

Neng Eem regretted the emergence of reports from various regions regarding food packages whose economic value is estimated not even to touch the figure of Rp. 10,000. He emphasized that Ramadan should be a momentum to increase the quality of intake for fasting children, not an excuse for a decline in standards. He

"Don't let this program actually cause complaints and disappointment in the community. Ramadan is not an excuse to lower quality. It should be a momentum to increase concern for children's nutritional fulfillment," said Neng Eem in Jakarta, Tuesday, March 3.

To note, the skewed report related to MBG emerged from a number of areas, one of which was in Kudus Regency. Parents of students complained that the MBG package only contained fried peanuts, abon bread, small cartons of milk, boiled eggs, and a grapefruit. Similar conditions occurred in Lumajang, where students only received 125 ml of milk, salted eggs, and still raw oranges.

Neng Eem emphasized that this issue is not merely a matter of an unattractive appearance, but an indication of non-compliance with national budget guidelines and calorie standards.

"If there is a discrepancy, there must be coaching up to administrative sanctions for the Nutrition Fulfillment Service Unit (SPPG). Don't let people's complaints be considered a passing wind," he said.

Therefore, this PKB Legislator asked BGN to immediately draft special standards for the Ramadan menu. This standard must include the durability of food so that it remains suitable for consumption during Iftar, a balanced nutritional composition, to the transparency of the value of the package in each area.

According to him, strict supervision is needed so that every rupiah of state budget really lands on the students' plate in the form of quality nutrition, not just a complement to formalities.

"Children who fast still need balanced nutritious intake to maintain health and concentration of learning. We need a quick step so that there is clarity about the composition of nutrition and sufficient calorie values," concluded Neng Eem.