PONTIANAK, Thekabarnews.com—Students of Tanjungpura University (Untan) held a demonstration at Digulis Roundabout in Pontianak, West Kalimantan. They demanded that the regional office of Indonesia’s National Nutrition Agency (BGN) publicly name the individuals and organizations involved in the management of Nutrition Fulfillment Service Units (SPPG) under the government’s Free Meals (MBG) program.

The protest was about transparency and public accountability in one of the government’s flagship social initiatives. Across Indonesia, this initiative provides nutritious meals to schoolchildren and other priority groups.

Fahri Andhika, the chairman of the Student Executive Board (BEM) of Untan’s Faculty of Teacher Training and Education (FKIP), said during the demonstration on Thursday, June 18, that there should be wider access to information. In his view, such access ensures the program is free of conflicts of interest.

“The data is with the regional BGN office. So far, BGN West Kalimantan has not revealed the owner or operator of the SPPG units. We call on the agency to make that information available through this demonstration,” Fahri said, as quoted by local media.

The student organization said public disclosure would enable citizens to determine whether officials, politicians, or other individuals with potential conflicts of interest own or operate SPPG units funded by the state budget.

The protesters also called on BGN to review all SPPG operators. They said this should happen if authorities find evidence of conflicts of interest or violations of applicable regulations.

“We ask the head of BGN West Kalimantan to disclose the names of all SPPG owners, including whether regional officials, lawmakers, or other parties related to the program have any involvement. If there is a violation, the authorities will take legal action according to the law,” Fahri said.

Students said they support the goals of the Free Meals program, especially its mission to improve public nutrition and help children, women in pregnancy, and other vulnerable groups.

However, they stated their intention to monitor the program’s rollout to ensure transparent use of public funds. In addition, they want to prevent any group from gaining undue advantage.

Fahri said the demonstration should not be considered a protest against the government’s nutrition policy. Instead, it should be considered a way to increase accountability and public trust.

“We will continue to voice criticism as long as people experience injustice and unresolved allegations of legal violations persist. If we have to, students will return with larger demonstrations,” he remarked.

The protest comes amid heightened public scrutiny of the management of the MBG program. Recent governance reforms and legal investigations have involved several former officials of the BGN.

Those developments have prompted calls from various groups for tougher oversight. Moreover, there are demands for more transparency in the management of the nationwide nutrition program.

So far, BGN West Kalimantan has not responded publicly to the students’ demands, as of Thursday.

The agency’s response could play an important role in rebuilding public confidence. This comes as the government continues to implement one of President Prabowo’s key social welfare programs.

Stay connected via Google News