Jakarta – A proposal to have delivery drivers for Indonesia’s national free nutritious meal program dress as Power Rangers is drawing criticism from lawmakers, who question whether the tactic is a substantive solution to address childhood malnutrition. The idea, floated by Deputy Head of the National Nutrition Agency (BGN) Nanik Sudaryati Deyang, aimed to increase children’s enthusiasm for the meals, but has sparked debate over priorities as the government expands its efforts to improve nutritional outcomes nationwide. Concerns center on whether the focus should be on symbolic gestures or ensuring the quality adn accessibility of the meals themselves.
Indonesia’s National Nutrition Agency (BGN) is facing scrutiny after proposing a unique approach to its free nutritious meal program: having delivery drivers dress as Power Rangers. The suggestion, intended to boost children’s appetites, has sparked debate among lawmakers and raised questions about the program’s priorities.
The idea was put forward by Nanik Sudaryati Deyang, Deputy Head of the BGN, who believes the costumed drivers could increase enthusiasm for the meals among young recipients.
Call for Creative Delivery and Nutritional Education
According to Antara news agency, Deyang initially requested that each nutritional fulfillment unit (SPPG) provide nutritional education to the beneficiaries of the free meal program at schools. She suggested that SPPG heads could collaborate with teachers to explain the nutritional content of each meal and its benefits for student growth.
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“I ask that SPPG heads dedicate an hour to acting as teachers in classrooms, moving from class to class. Explain the importance of nutritious food,” Deyang said.
Deyang also stated that SPPGs could partner with health professionals at community health centers, public health workers, and local community organizations to provide nutritional counseling for pregnant women, breastfeeding mothers, and toddlers. Additionally, SPPGs could collaborate with village heads to host community meetings focused on nutrition and the free meal program.
She praised the creativity of SPPG heads, accountants, nutritionists, partners, and volunteer kitchen staff in educating children about nutrition. As an example, she suggested that delivery drivers could wear Power Rangers costumes to encourage children to eat their vegetables.
“We’ll provide the drivers with Power Rangers costumes, so their enthusiasm will be even higher. They can tell students, ‘I’ll bring Power Rangers back here again tomorrow if you eat your vegetables.’ We can occasionally bring snacks, even burgers, but only if they eat their vegetables,” she explained.
Opposition Party Criticizes Proposal as a Gimmick
Ashabul Kahfi, a member of the National Mandate Party (PAN) in the Indonesian House of Representatives, has criticized the BGN’s proposal, calling it unsubstantial and potentially divisive. The suggestion comes as the government expands its efforts to combat malnutrition among children.
“In my opinion, this Free Nutritious Meal program is a very serious undertaking that directly impacts the health and future of our children. Therefore, the approach used should also reflect the nation’s commitment to ensuring children have access to adequate nutrition,” Kahfi said Wednesday, December 17, 2025.
Kahfi expressed his disagreement with the idea of having delivery drivers wear Power Rangers costumes. He argued that the proposal lacks substance and leans toward sensationalism.
“Regarding the suggestion of drivers wearing Power Rangers costumes, I understand the intention may be to attract attention and build enthusiasm among children,” Kahfi stated.
“However, I don’t believe this is a substantial solution. It could potentially create controversy in the public sphere because the focus could shift from the program’s primary goal to symbolic and sensational aspects,” he continued.
He emphasized that the BGN’s priority should be ensuring the meals provided meet the nutritional needs of students, highlighting ongoing concerns about the program’s implementation across Indonesia.
“What should be our main concern right now is ensuring that the food distributed is truly nutritious, safe for consumption, delivered on time, and reaches all children who are entitled to it,” Kahfi said.
“While there are still issues with equitable access and quality implementation in the field, I believe it is inappropriate to direct energy and public discourse toward non-essential matters,” he added.
Kahfi suggested that the BGN should focus on improving nutritional education in schools, cautioning that the proposal could lead to a risky gimmick.
“If the goal is to increase interest and awareness among children, the approach could be through better nutritional education in schools, involving teachers and healthcare professionals, and using child-friendly communication without being excessive. The state should be present in a way that educates, not with a risky gimmick that could be misinterpreted,” he said.
He urged the BGN to exercise caution when presenting ideas to the public, emphasizing that every policy requires careful consideration, especially given the program’s substantial budget.
“This program uses state funds and is under public scrutiny. Every idea needs to be carefully considered, not only from a creative perspective but also from an ethical standpoint and its impact on public trust,” Kahfi said.
“So, this isn’t about whether or not to wear costumes, but about priorities. The Free Nutritious Meal program must be implemented with focus, dignity, and a focus on real benefits for children. That’s what’s most important,” he concluded.
MPR Leader Calls for Focus on Food Quality
Deputy Speaker of the Indonesian People’s Consultative Assembly (MPR) Hidayat Nur Wahid (HNW) also commented on the BGN’s proposal. He urged the agency to prioritize the quality of the meals over superficial appearances.
“Yes, any effort to make the program successful is good. But is it just about clothing? I think the most important thing is to ensure that this program truly meets the expectations of Mr. Prabowo, truly provides improved nutrition for children, and ultimately produces children with good nutrition,” HNW said Wednesday, December 17, 2025, at the parliament complex in Jakarta.
HNW stated that the BGN should avoid oversimplifying the problem with clothing alone, referencing a recent incident where a substitute delivery driver struck a student at SDN Kalibaru 01 Pagi in North Jakarta.
“Don’t simplify it just with clothing. But then it turned out they weren’t properly trained as a driver, resulting in an accident in North Jakarta, and the driver was a substitute, causing the collision,” HNW pointed out.
“Therefore, I appreciate all efforts to find solutions, but don’t focus on just one aspect, such as clothing,” he added.
HNW emphasized that the most important aspect of the free meal program is the quality of the food provided, suggesting that students may not even see the drivers in costume.
“Moreover, children won’t even see the clothing. The driver is driving, then takes the food out of the car, and the children may still be in class. So, what’s important is the quality of the food, which truly involves nutritionists, is liked by children, and ultimately makes the Free Nutritious Meal program a success,” he said.
HNW cautioned the BGN against prioritizing superficial appearances and called for a comprehensive evaluation of the program.
“Don’t just focus on external appearances and especially not on the driver’s clothing. Instead, the driver, like the Head of the program, should conduct an evaluation of the drivers, the vehicles – the vehicles should be evaluated to ensure the brakes aren’t failing and causing accidents involving students,” the PKS legislator said.
HNW stated that the tragedy at SDN Kalibaru 01 in North Jakarta should not be repeated, and jokingly suggested that drivers wear Gatotkaca costumes instead of Power Rangers.
“The drivers must be evaluated to prevent another tragedy. But once again, don’t simplify it with clothing, especially Power Rangers. Perhaps Gatotkaca would be better,” he concluded.
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