Economist on Free Nutritious Meal Budget to IDR 10,000 per Serving: Pay Attention to Nutritional Adequacy, Not Just Being Full

Researcher from Center of Macroeconomics and Finance Institute for Development of Economics and Finance (Indef), Riza Annisa Pujarama. (Photo: ANTARA)

JAKARTA - Researcher at the Center of Macroeconomics and Finance Institute for Development of Economics and Finance (Indef) Riza Annisa Pujarama hopes that the budget cut for the Free Nutritious Meals (MBG) program from IDR 15,000 to IDR 10,000 will still take into account the nutritional adequacy of the community.

The nutritional content is not only from the number of calories provided, but also the composition of substances, vitamins, and minerals needed by the body.

"Can the average budget fulfill the 4 healthy 5 perfect, don't let carbohydrates remain dominant, because nutritional adequacy is not just about being full," Riza explained to VOI, Thursday, December 5.

She added that the decrease in the MBG portion budget was due to adjustments to the average food prices in the regions.

"According to the statement of the head of the National Nutrition Agency/BGN, that figure is an average so it may be adjusted to the different food prices in each region,"

However, Riza said she could not provide further comment regarding the adjustment of the cost per portion of MBG for operational activities or others.

However, she said, if based on the government's statement it will be used to subsidize expensive food prices in certain areas.

"I have not received information on what this reduction will be used for, but with the statement emphasizing the average from the head of BGN, it could be for subsidies to the areas where food prices are expensive," she explained.

Previously, Center of Reform on Economics (Core) Indonesia Economist Yusuf Rendy Manilet assessed that the reduction in the cost per portion of the Free Nutritious Meal (MBG) program did need to be adjusted over time.

According to him, the evaluation conducted by the government in running this program will affect the implementation and budget allocation of the program.

"I think this free nutritious meal program will be adjusted over time and the evaluation conducted by the government when this program will be run," he told VOI, Tuesday, December 3.

Yusuf revealed that the budget cuts and costs for recipients of the MBG program could be the result of trials that the government is currently conducting at several locations.

"My guess from the trial is that we found the figure of IDR 10,000 as the value allocated for prospective recipients of the MBG program," he said.

In addition, Yusuf also highlighted that the figure of IDR 10,000 is relatively small, especially when compared to the main goal of the MBG program, which is to improve the quality of nutrition for people in need.

"Especially if the figure of IDR 10,000 is a gross figure where the figure must be divided again for the allocation of food needs provided, packing costs and delivery services, to profits if you join with Partners where this program is run," said Yusuf.

According to him, if the budget of IDR 10,000 is only allocated for food, the figure could be even smaller.

This can be a debate, especially in terms of how to provide a nutritious menu below that figure, considering the price differences between regions.

Therefore, Yusuf said the government must provide further explanation regarding how the figure mentioned can still meet the nutritional needs of its recipients.