UPI Public Policy Distinguished Professor: MBG Program is Good if Managed Well

Illustration. (Photo: Dok. Antara)

JAKARTA - In the midst of criticism and controversy over the impact of the MBG program in society, many experts and observers of public policy still assess that the impact of this program can be optimal. If managed properly, it is not impossible that this program will encourage the development of the nation's young generation in the next 10-20 years.

This was emphasized by the Professor of Political Science and Public Policy Observer at the University of Education Indonesia (UPI), Prof. Dr. Cecep Darmawan. According to Prof. Cecep, if managed with transparent, targeted, and balanced managerial governance with a holistic education ecosystem, Prof. Cecep is optimistic that this program will bring about a major transformation.

"If our children are physically healthy because of good nutrition intake, and balanced with good cognition and literacy from school, God willing, in the next 10 to 20 years, this program will produce superior generations that are good and smart," he said. , Friday, May 22.

Regarding the dynamics on social media where the implementation of MBG is often in the spotlight and criticism, Prof. Cecep considers this as a form of reasonable public control. However, he emphasized the importance of social media literacy so that the public can distinguish between constructive criticism and insults or hoaxes.

"We cannot turn a blind eye to the fact that implementation in the field must have weaknesses. Consider criticism as a medicine. The less good management is immediately improved, the kitchen that is not standard is replaced. Don't blame the program, but improve the implementation," he said.

At the same time, he also encouraged that the best practices of the SPPG kitchen and schools that have successfully run MBG optimally be disseminated to offset the negative narrative and become a pilot for other regions.

Prof. Cecep also emphasized that the public and policy makers must be able to separate the essence of the vision of the MBG program from the technical constraints in the field. According to him, a big idea to improve the nutrition of the nation should not be abandoned just because of managerial problems that are not perfect.

Prof. Cecep bluntly gave tactical recommendations for the government, especially if faced with budget constraints at the beginning of the implementation period. He suggested that the focus of this program be narrowed to target groups that really need it first.

"So don't blame the program, but improve the implementation. If the program is now, if the money is still limited, the vulnerable groups are the first. Yes, throughout Indonesia, the vulnerable groups are the first, including street children. Later, if the state finances are better, they will gradually target a wider target so that the budget is used properly," he suggested.

Although MBG has a very good vision, Prof. Cecep reminded that the MBG program cannot run alone and should not be the only solution to the complexity of community problems.

Prof. Cecep suggested several strategic aspects that the government needed to pay attention to in order to optimize this program, including: MBG requires collaborative work between the National Nutrition Agency (BGN), various related ministries, local governments, to school and family committees. In addition, Prof. Cecep also encourages the government to also strengthen the macro economic sector and job creation so that parents are able to continue the relay of nutritional fulfillment at home.