Street Vendors’ Views on the Free Nutritious Meals Program

Abstract

The Free Nutritious Meal program (MBG) is a campaign promise of the Prabowo-Gibran government to improve children's nutrition and reduce stunting. This study examines the views of street vendors (PKL) regarding the implementation of MBG in Yogyakarta. Using Gramsci's theory of hegemony, theories of power, and political participation theory, this qualitative research interviewed ten street vendors. The findings indicate that MBG is perceived as poorly targeted, lacking in quality supervision, and reducing vendors' income. The program tends to benefit the government and large vendors, while marginalizing street vendors. This study concludes that populist policies such as MBG require participatory planning and strict oversight.