JAKARTA - President Prabowo Subianto asked that the implementation of Free Nutritious Meals or MBG be improved based on data. Recipients who are judged no longer to need can be removed so that the program is more targeted to the poor, lagging areas, and regions with high stunting rates.
The directive was conveyed in a meeting attended by the National Nutrition Agency or BGN at the Presidential Palace Complex, Jakarta, Wednesday, July 15.
Deputy Head of BGN Agustina Arumsari said the President listened to various inputs and asked that every policy option be reviewed before being decided.
"What needs to be efficient, who does not have to receive the MBG program, yes, please do not accept it anymore," said Agustina after the meeting.
According to Agustina, Prabowo asked MBG to remain prioritized for the community in the lower desil group. Desil is a division of the population based on the level of welfare, from the lowest to the highest group.
Priorities are also directed to lagging areas and regions with high stunting rates.
Prabowo also asked BGN to review the value of the food budget of Rp. 15,000 per recipient. The President wants to ensure that the figure is sufficient to meet the needs of the program.
"He said, is Rp15,000 enough? Please study. If it is not enough, what is the number," said Agustina.
BGN has not decided on changes to the value of assistance or the number of recipients. All data and policy options are still being calculated before being submitted to the President.
Agustina also has not mentioned the amount of the budget that may be reduced. He emphasized that the figure is still in the counting stage.
When asked about the news of budget cuts of up to 2 billion US dollars, Agustina did not confirm it.
"Who said who? Ask the one who made the news," he said.
He admitted that MBG's improvement was not easy because it involved millions of beneficiaries. Prabowo asked all ministries to help BGN make improvements.
"He listened to all the input from the participants of the meeting. Every policy choice is asked to be studied well, what is the basis, then it is conveyed back to be decided," said Agustina.
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