Cucun Ahmad Syamsurijal, the Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives (DPR), has drawn significant criticism for allegedly trivializing the crucial role of professional nutritionists within the government’s National Nutritious Meal (MBG) program. In response to the ensuing public backlash, Cucun has officially issued an apology for his controversial remarks.
Further addressing the issue, Cucun revealed that he had engaged in a direct discussion with Doddy Izwardy, the esteemed Chairman of the Indonesian Nutritionist Association (Persagi), regarding the content of his contentious statement.
“I have already conveyed my apologies on my social media,” Cucun stated from the Parliament Complex in Senayan, Jakarta, on Monday, November 17th. He added, “In fact, last night we had a discussion with the Chairman of Persagi, and his insights were extraordinary.”
The contentious video clip, which sparked the widespread debate, was recorded during Cucun’s attendance at the SPPG Consolidation Forum for Bandung Regency. During this forum, Cucun publicly proposed an alternative: training high school graduates to assume the responsibilities of nutritionists, whom he controversially claimed were not essential for the effective implementation of the MBG program.
In the widely circulated footage, Cucun was heard saying, “I do not wish to hear arrogant individuals declare, ‘because I am a nutritionist.’ Moving forward, the Head of the Health Office can simply train people; if necessary, bright high school fresh graduates could be trained for three months and provided with BNSP certification (National Professional Certification Agency).”
Program MBG SPPG Polres Gresik (ANTARA FOTO/Rizal Hanafi/foc.)
Cucun’s assertions ignited a cascade of diverse reactions across social media platforms, leading to widespread public outcry. Consequently, he found it necessary to clarify his initial declaration that the MBG program did not require the expertise of nutritionists.
Following the intense public controversy, Cucun took proactive steps to facilitate a crucial meeting between the National Nutrition Agency (BGN) and Persagi, also held on Monday, November 17th. Cucun elaborated that this meeting served as a direct follow-up to a previous parliamentary hearing (RDP), which had highlighted a significant concern: the scarcity of professional personnel specializing in nutrition within the framework of the MBG program.
