Jakarta, Oct. 1 -- An Indonesian lawmaker on Wednesday urged the government to issue a presidential regulation to strengthen governance of the Free Nutritious Meals (MBG) program, citing the need for clear rules to safeguard its 82 million beneficiaries.

Edy Wuryanto, a member of Commission IX of the House of Representatives, told a meeting with the National Nutrition Agency (BGN) and other stakeholders that the program must be protected through immediate legal backing.

"The Free Nutritious Meals program is people-centered and must be safeguarded. But the condition is clear: a presidential regulation must be issued without delay," he said.

He also stressed the importance of ensuring MBG kitchens and food handlers are certified and clos...