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The government policy known as the Free Nutritional Meal Program (MBG) aims to improve public nutrition and reduce stunting rates in Indonesia. The purpose of this study is to examine the MBG Program from a political perspective, particularly considering political dynamics, legal risks, and fiscal issues. This research was conducted through literature review, reviewing various journals and academic sources. The results indicate that the MBG not only has social impacts but also influences political interests, poses risks to legal enforcement, and disrupts the sustainability of the state budget. Therefore, for the program to be successful and sustainable, strong regulations and oversight are required. Furthermore, this populist program is often utilized as an instrument for power legitimacy, demanding compromises between the executive and legislative branches during its budget approval process. Without a detailed legal framework, the policy's implementation is highly vulnerable to overlapping institutional authority and potential misappropriation of funds. Ultimately, technology-based monitoring strategies and accountable governance are the main keys to maintaining the stability of the State Budget (APBN).

Stunting is one of the chronic nutritional problems that remains a major challenge in health development in Indonesia. This condition not only affects children’s physical growth but also influences cognitive development, productivity, and the quality of human resources in the future. The government has developed various policies to accelerate the reduction of stunting through specific and sensitive intervention approaches implemented in an integrated manner across sectors. Semarang, as one of the urban areas in Indonesia, has also implemented these policies through various health, nutrition, sanitation, and community empowerment programs. This study aims to analyze the policies of specific and sensitive interventions in addressing stunting in Semarang and to identify factors influencing the effectiveness of their implementation. This research uses a qualitative approach with a policy study method through document analysis, observation, and interviews with relevant stakeholders such as the health office, community health centers, and other local government agencies. Data analysis was conducted descriptively by examining program integration, inter-agency coordination, and community participation in policy implementation. The results show that the implementation of specific and sensitive intervention policies in Semarang has been carried out through various programs such as maternal and child nutrition services, improved access to sanitation, health education, and family empowerment. However, several challenges remain, including suboptimal cross-sector coordination, limited resources, and varying levels of public understanding regarding stunting prevention. Therefore, strengthening policy governance, improving synergy among institutions, and enhancing community participation are necessary to ensure that efforts to accelerate stunting reduction can be implemented more effectively and sustainably.

Stunting remains a chronic nutritional issue affecting human resource quality in Indonesia, particularly children under five years old. High prevalence of stunting impacts long-term cognitive development, physical growth, and productivity of the young generation (Ministry of Health, 2023). This community service aims to optimize the role of public administration in disseminating policies and programs to reduce stunting through education, training, and direct community assistance. Activities were carried out through coordination with government officials, community health cadres, and local leaders, using local communication media to raise awareness about nutrition. The results indicate an increase in community knowledge on stunting, balanced nutrition practices, and active involvement of both officials and residents in stunting reduction programs. Optimizing public administration through capacity building, cross-sector coordination, and information technology utilization supports program targets. This service recommends strategies for sustainable, participatory, and data-driven program implementation.