"It is natural for a new program to encounter shortcomings at the start, and such challenges exist in any country. Therefore, we must work together to make improvements, including with the MBG program. Let us improve it," he remarked on Thursday.
Umar made these remarks in response to recent reports of food poisoning cases linked to the national priority program due to various factors.
Speaking at the inauguration of two houses of worship in Lebak District, Banten, the minister emphasized that MBG is still in its early phase and thus requires participation from all parties to reach its optimal level.
He underscored that public supervision is essential to ensure the program fulfills its noble goal of providing nutritional support for schoolchildren, toddlers, pregnant women, and breastfeeding mothers.
On that note, he suggested it would be unwise for Indonesia to hastily abolish the program instead of striving to make it better.
"We must address every issue that arises. But no less important is to recognize the benefits the program has brought to schoolchildren nationwide," Umar said.
He assured the public that the government remains committed to reviewing and evaluating the MBG program, especially after the poisoning reports, to ensure it better serves the people. Shortfalls found in the field will be taken into account.
"In short, we will make improvements and carry out evaluations for the greater good. The Ministry of Religious Affairs will certainly heed and respond to people's input regarding the MBG program," he said.
Furthermore, Umar noted that under President Prabowo's leadership, the government has rolled out other key initiatives dedicated to improving people's lives, including the tuition-free education program Sekolah Rakyat (People's School) and the Free Health Check-up program.
The minister underlined that President Prabowo envisions all these programs as strategic means to upgrade the quality of human resources in pursuit of a golden era by 2045.
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Translator: Achmad I, Tegar Nurfitra
Editor: Azis Kurmala
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