DENPASAR, OborDewata.com – A healthy lifestyle, environmental awareness, and gender equality are no longer mere trends—they are urgent necessities that must begin with small, daily actions. This core message was amplified by Tutik Kusuma Wardhani, a member of the House of Representatives’ Household Affairs Committee and Commission IX from the Democratic Party faction representing the Bali constituency, during a special milestone for her party.
Welcoming the 25th anniversary of the Democratic Party, the female politician from the Island of Gods shared her insights on real grassroots action, women’s representation, and the vital importance of balanced nutrition education in society.
Health Starts at Home and in the Community
For Tutik, maintaining cleanliness is a mandatory daily routine, no matter how busy her schedule is in parliament. Interestingly, to celebrate the Democratic Party’s silver anniversary, she did not limit this cleanup routine to her own home but brought it directly to the community.
“This is indeed our daily duty. At home, we clean our house. Now, we must go out and join the community in cleaning up the environment,” she said on Friday (July 10, 2026).
Through a series of anniversary activities, she mobilized Democratic Party cadres in Bali to hit the ground running, leading social cleanups in public areas and industrial zones. According to her, promoting a clean lifestyle is the best way for cadres to build connections and empathize directly with the people.
A Call to Women: Do Not Shun Politics!
Discussing the modern female lifestyle, Tutik highlighted the importance of self-actualization and national awareness. Addressing the 30% quota for women’s representation in parliament following the Constitutional Court ruling, she urged women to boldly step into leadership roles and seize the opportunities in an increasingly inclusive political landscape.
She hopes women will stop viewing politics as a rigid domain dominated solely by men. A Message for Women: “I urge more women to empathize with political parties. Do not keep your distance from politics,” she stated.
Hopes for Equality: She envisions an equal ecosystem where intelligent and qualified women are willing to channel their public concerns through policy-making channels.
It’s Not About Quantity, It’s About Balanced Nutrition
As a member of Commission IX overseeing health, Tutik also provided critical notes on the highly discussed Free Nutritious Meal (MBG) program. Based on her direct visits to Balinese villages during parliamentary recess and party activities, she observed that the program has significantly boosted the community’s well-being.
Crucially, Tutik emphasized that this program is not just about filling stomachs.”To be frank, it is not about eating a large quantity of food, but eating a well-balanced, nutritious meal,” Tutik emphasized.
According to her, the MBG program creates a positive ripple effect from multiple perspectives.
For Children: It fosters healthy habits like eating vegetables and builds social cohesion by allowing children to eat together regardless of social status.
For Parents: It significantly eases the burden on rural mothers who often do not have enough time to prepare breakfast before their children head to school.
For the Local Economy: It revitalizes local kitchens that source ingredients directly from local farmers, livestock breeders, and fishermen.
Concluding the conversation, Tutik asserted that human resource development programs like the MBG are highly worth continuing, but noted that there are improvements in governance. “Even developed nations still implement this. Let law enforcement handle those who abuse it, but the benefit for human resource improvement is real,” she concluded. tra/mei
