Observer: Free Nutrition Food Program Is Measurable Compared To The Initial Concept

Photo: Doc. Antara

JAKARTA - Public policy observer at Mulawarman University (Unmul) Prof. Aji Ratna Kusuma assesses that the Free Nutrition Food Program (MBG) launched by the government is more measurable and has clear policy standards compared to the initial concept, namely free lunch.

"When converted into free nutritious food, the concept becomes measurable and has clear policy standards," said Prof. Aji Ratna Kusuma in Samarinda, quoted from Antara, Sunday, December 15.

He explained, if you continue to use the old concept, namely free lunch, the nutritional content given to program recipients will be multiple interpretations.

"You can eat anything that is important for free. Once it is converted into a free nutritious food program, the concept becomes clear so that its implementation in the field will become clear, measurable, and supervision will also be easy," he explained.

Aji Ratna emphasized that the trial steps for the Free Nutrition Food program were important before it was implemented in early January 2025. This trial is part of the implementation of policies to see the shortcomings and how this program can run well.

"This is a multi-complex program, involving many parties who must collaborate, starting from proper planning to continuous monitoring, supervision, and evaluation," he said.

Aji Ratna reminded the organizing organization to understand very well what to do because this program involves children and pregnant women who have different tastes.

"Don't let this program just run a few moments and then change patterns," he said.

He emphasized the importance of evaluation and monitoring at the beginning of the program implementation.

Aji Ratna called the Free Nutrition Food program a noble program. This sees the condition of the people who are still malnourished in certain areas, so that the distribution of nutritious food for free must be right on target.

He also highlighted that in the future, this policy will not shift stunting prevention policies and the provision of additional food that has been running so far. "If it is equipped with energy, I think it will be better," he said.

"If this program adds to what is already there, it will be even better, that way our stunting will be resolved more quickly," said Aji Ratna.