February 26, 2026 | 05:00 pm
TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - The National Coordinator of the Indonesian Education Monitoring Network (JPPI), Ubaid Matraji, strongly criticized the government's plan to launch MBG-TV. He believes the policy ignores urgent issues, specifically food poisoning cases in schools and the weak oversight of the program.
"The plan for MBG-TV is not just a waste, but an insult to public intelligence," Ubaid stated in a written release on Thursday, February 26, 2026.
He believes that, amid reports of unhygienic food and lax oversight, the government has chosen to build its own broadcasting channel.
He referred to this move as a form of image laundering intended to mask the various complications arising from the Free Nutritious Meal (MBG) program. Ubaid also condemned the plan to establish MBG-TV using public funds.
Ubaid questioned the urgency of a special television channel when substantial program issues remain unresolved. He sarcastically asked whether the channel would broadcast student poisoning cases or provide a detailed account of budget distribution from central to regional levels.
"This TV will only serve as a distraction from the inadequate oversight and the potential corruption in food procurement," he said.
He also pointed out the potential use of public frequencies to promote a single government program. According to Ubaid, this move may create one-way communication and limit public criticism. "Using public frequencies to promote the government's single program is an arrogant act," he remarked.
When the public questions transparency and accountability, he said, the government should strengthen oversight and provide access to information, instead of building a channel deemed only to showcase the positive side of the program.
As of this publication, there has been no official explanation from relevant parties regarding the concept, budget, or management of MBG-TV. Tempo has attempted to contact Dadan Hindayana, Head of the National Nutrition Agency (BGN), regarding the plan.
Based on media reports, MBG-TV will broadcast in 13 provinces. According to a statement from Dadan Hindayana, as reported by Kompas.com, the establishment of MBG-TV is an initiative from the general public. He denied that MBG-TV is part of the formal BGN structure.
Read: BGN Reports Price Markups in Free Nutritious Meals' Kitchens
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