Improving MBG's governance is crucial: Deputy Minister of Industry

Jakarta (ANTARA) - Deputy Minister of Industry Faisol Riza said the Free Nutritious Meals (MBG) is a noble and important programme, emphasising its governance crucially needs to be improved.

Riza said from the perspective of philosophy and values—including religious principles emphasising the state's obligation towards vulnerable groups such as the poor, women, and children—MBG has a strong foundation.

As quoted in a statement received here on Tuesday, he said the criticism so far has not been directed at the programme's objectives, but rather at its management aspects, such as governance, implementation processes, and quality verification.

"I believe that even those who criticize it may feel that fundamentally MBG is not a wrong programme. What they have been concerned about is its management, governance, processes, verification, quality, and so on," Riza said in the podcast.

Related news: Indonesian VP pushes MBG expansion in remote areas

Therefore, he expressed support for the evaluation measures currently being undertaken by the government.

According to him, President Prabowo Subianto has instructed newly appointed National Nutrition Agency (BGN) Head Nanik Sudaryati Deyang to carry out comprehensive improvements, including evaluating the fiscal burden borne by the state as a result of the programme's implementation.

"MBG will certainly be evaluated, but I think there is not much debate that MBG is a very important programme for us," he added.

He also stressed that the menu variations prepared would be highly beneficial during their growth period.

"MBG, with the menu variations that have been prepared for children, will certainly be very useful during their growth years," he said.

Related news: Indonesia to grade MBG service units, halt new SPPG development

Translator: Benardy, Kenzu

Editor: Fransiska Ninditya

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