By: Rudi Alamsyah Kusumawinata (*
The Free Nutritious Meals (MBG) program has been running for one year, a landmark policy prioritized by the government to improve public nutrition and boost national economic productivity. This program not only provides direct benefits to schoolchildren, pregnant women, and other vulnerable groups, but also creates a broad economic impact through the involvement of farmers, fishermen, and food micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs).
The Head of the Development Monitoring and Special Investigation Agency, Aries Marsudiyanto, emphasized that the government continues to conduct intensive evaluations to ensure the MBG program truly creates a healthy and intelligent generation. He stated that more than 76 countries worldwide have implemented similar programs for decades with significant positive results. Indonesia has only been running it for less than a year, but has already reached around 30 million beneficiaries. This figure demonstrates the public’s deep appreciation for the program, which is believed to be capable of producing Indonesia’s golden generation.
According to Aries, MBG is a strategic program for building a foundation for superior human resources. By providing balanced nutrition from an early age, children not only avoid stunting and developmental disorders but also excel academically. Ultimately, this healthy and intelligent generation will fill the need for a productive workforce in national development.
As a major program, the MBG faces the natural challenge of continuously strengthening it through cross-sectoral coordination. Coordinating Minister for Food Affairs Zulkifli Hasan emphasized that the MBG’s broad scope and impact require strong and sustainable governance. He stated that the government is preparing technical regulations in the form of a Presidential Regulation and/or Presidential Instruction to ensure clear coordination between ministries, institutions, and local governments.
Zulhas believes this regulation will detail the division of tasks, from food supply and distribution to oversight mechanisms. With a solid legal framework, the government hopes the MBG program will run more orderly, effectively, and accountably. This step also demonstrates the government’s commitment to addressing significant challenges on the ground, such as food distribution in remote areas, menu variations tailored to local nutritional needs, and farmer involvement as raw material providers.
The health aspect is a key indicator of the MBG’s success. Health Minister Budi Gunadi Sadikin announced that the government will include several health checks in the Free Health Check (CKG) program. Regular measurements of beneficiaries’ weight, height, and nutritional status will be conducted to monitor the real impact of the MBG.
Budi explained that the collected data will serve as scientific evidence of the program’s success. This information will also be used to improve menus to ensure the community receives the best possible nutrition. Furthermore, the Ministry of Health plans to integrate the MBG evaluation into the 2026 Indonesian Nutrition Status Survey (SSGI). This survey will have a dedicated section measuring national MBG progress and comparing it with previous data.
According to Budi, experience shows that good nutrition can prevent at least 50 percent of health problems. Cases of stunting, congenital abnormalities, and high maternal and child mortality rates can be reduced with better diets. Therefore, the MBG represents a long-term investment in reducing national healthcare costs while simultaneously improving people’s quality of life.
From an economic perspective, the MBG has a broad multiplier effect. Demand for nutritious foods, such as vegetables, fruit, eggs, and fish, has increased following the program’s implementation. This presents a significant opportunity for farmers, fishermen, and MSMEs to expand their markets and increase their incomes. In the long term, the program also encourages the creation of a stronger and more sustainable local food supply chain.
Furthermore, MBG strengthens national food security. With the direct involvement of various sectors, this program stimulates domestic food production, reduces dependence on imports, and stabilizes market prices. Communities also experience dual benefits: children receive nutritious food, while the village economy accelerates.
The public has responded positively to this program. Parents feel more at ease knowing their children are guaranteed nutritious meals at school. Educators have seen positive changes in students’ concentration. In many regions, the program has been met with active community participation, both through mutual cooperation in providing local ingredients and innovative menus based on local wisdom.
The government continues to strengthen distribution efforts to remote areas, maintain food quality, and improve public nutritional literacy to optimize the benefits of the MBG. However, ongoing evaluation and refinement by the government confirms that the MBG is a program designed to be sustainable, not just a temporary policy.
One year into its operation, the Free Nutritious Meals program has proven itself to be a policy that not only addresses health issues but also has a significant economic impact. The government has demonstrated strong commitment through evaluation, regulatory strengthening, and integration with the national health and food systems.
The public is increasingly confident that the MBG program is the right step towards Indonesia’s golden generation. With adequate nutrition, children grow healthier, smarter, and more competitive. Therefore, let us continue to fully support the MBG program, trust in the government’s commitment, and work together to ensure its sustainability for the nation’s future.
)* The author is a nutrition and health observer
