UNJ Professor: Field Supervisors Need To Implement MBG According To Security Standards

Lustration. Sightings of the inaugural menu of the Free Nutrition Food (MBG) program in Mataram City, West Nusa Tenggara Province, on Monday 13 January 2024. BETWEEN-Nirkomala.

JAKARTA - For children in the leading, outermost, and underdeveloped regions (3T), MBG is not just a food aid program. He is a new hope so that they can learn with their full stomach, grow healthy, and pursue ideals in the midst of all limitations.

Professor of the Faculty of Social and Legal Sciences at the State University of Jakarta (FISH UNJ), Prof. Abdul Haris Fatgehypon, assessed that the group of children in the 3T area should be a top priority in the implementation of this program.

"The provision of MBG must be right on target. Children in remote, outermost, and underdeveloped areas really need programs like this. The presence of MBG is a real hope for them," said Prof. Haris to VOI, Tuesday, October 7.

According to him, children in the 3T region face tough challenges: limited access to nutritious food, long school distances, and mediocre family economic conditions. In such situations, nutritious food in schools becomes the foundation so that they remain strong and enthusiastic about learning.

"This program is not just a matter of eating for free, but about ensuring the future of the younger generation of Indonesia so as not to be left behind due to malnutrition," he explained.

The professor from Maluku also emphasized the need for the involvement of nutritionists, health workers, and field supervisors so that the implementation of MBG runs according to food safety standards.

"Need cross-sectoral cooperation. Do not let the government's good intentions be hampered by the weak coordination in the field," he added.

Prof. Haris also appreciated President Prabowo Subianto's quick response, who immediately summoned the relevant ministers and prepared a Presidential Regulation (Perpres) to improve MBG governance after several technical problems emerged in the field.

"This step shows the seriousness and commitment of President Prabowo in ensuring that MBG is running well and sustainable," he said.

He also reminded that this program is protected from politicization and misuse of the budget.

"This is a pro-people program, lest it be tarnished by personal or political interests. The goal is noble: to form a healthy and smart Indonesian child," he said.