BALINEWSID.COM, DENPASAR — Tutik Kusuma Wardhani, a member of Commission IX of the Indonesian House of Representatives (DPR RI) from the Democratic Party faction, expressed her condolences and concern over the earthquake that struck communities in East Nusa Tenggara (NTT).

Tutik offered prayers for those affected by the disaster and expressed hope that residents would remain strong and receive protection as they cope with the aftermath.

“May they remain steadfast and strong in facing this situation, and may God protect them,” Tutik said during an event marking the Democratic Party’s 25th anniversary, held in conjunction with Indonesia’s Independence Day celebrations at the Bali Democratic Party Regional Executive Board (DPD) office in Denpasar on Sunday (Aug. 23, 2026).

Tutik said August was a special month for Indonesians because it coincides with the country’s Independence Day on Aug. 17. She said the anniversary should also serve as an opportunity to strengthen national unity and solidarity.

“Unity is born from togetherness, tolerance, strong cooperation and the people’s love for their country,” she said.

Tutik also called for the government’s Free Nutritious Meals (MBG) program to be expanded to reach people living in underdeveloped, frontier and outermost regions, commonly known as 3T areas.

She said the need for the program remained particularly high in eastern Indonesia. Better management of the program, she added, was essential to ensure that its benefits reached communities that needed them most, while also supporting efforts to address stunting.

“The issue with the MBG program depends on how it is implemented. Our brothers and sisters in eastern Indonesia need it,” Tutik said.

She emphasized that the government should continue the program while improving its management. The MBG program, she said, should also contribute to improving education and the quality of Indonesia’s human resources.

At the same time, Tutik stressed that the education budget must remain in line with the constitutional mandate requiring 20 percent of the state budget to be allocated to education.

“The education budget must remain at 20 percent as mandated by law. That cannot be compromised. The MBG program should therefore be financed by identifying funding from other budget allocations,” she said.

Tutik also raised concerns over unemployment among vocational high school (SMK) graduates. As a member of Commission IX, which oversees employment-related affairs, she encouraged young people to take advantage of employment and internship opportunities provided by the Ministry of Manpower, including the Magang Hub program.

She said Magang Hub could provide opportunities for Generation Z and other young people to gain practical work experience through internships tailored to the potential and needs of their respective regions.

In Bali, she said, internship opportunities could be developed in the tourism sector and other industries in line with labor market demand.

“I hope young people understand IT. Open Google on your phones. There is a lot of information about Magang Hub from the Ministry of Manpower,” Tutik said.

She urged Bali’s young people to be more proactive in seeking information about employment and internship opportunities through digital technology.

Tutik also called on young people to use their smartphones more productively rather than primarily for entertainment.

“Use your phones more productively. Be more IT-minded and make better use of technology,” she said.