Bakom denies government staged pro-MBG rally amid review

The Indonesian Government Communications Agency, Bakom, denied allegations that the government organized demonstrations supporting the Makan Bergizi Gratis (MBG) program. Bakom acting deputy for partnerships and media relations Kurnia Ramadhana, in Jakarta on Wednesday (24/6), said the government respects public views both for and against the policy. He also said the government is improving MBG governance together with the new leadership of the National Nutrition Agency, BGN. In recent days, demonstrations backing the continuation of MBG have emerged after students and community groups first called for a full review of the program. Earlier, BGN decided to temporarily stop MBG distribution during the school holiday, while some Nutrition Fulfillment Service Units did not receive incentives. Of the 27.820 SPPG units that have been operating, the policy is expected to save about Rp3 triliun.