Advancing the Role of the MBG Program as a National Nutrition Education EcosystemBy: Alexander Royce)*
The Makan Bergizi Gratis (MBG) or Free Nutritious Meal Program continues to show a new, strategic direction in developing Indonesia’s human capital. Initially understood by the public merely as a nutritional intervention, the program is now evolving into a more comprehensive function: creating a national nutrition education ecosystem involving schools, families, local governments, and community groups. This transformation is essential, given Indonesia’s complex nutritional challenges—from stunting and micronutrient deficiencies to increasing obesity and non-communicable diseases among adolescents.
The launch of six nutrition education modules by the Ministry of Primary and Secondary Education (Kemendikdasmen) on 26 November 2025 marks a key milestone. Deputy Minister Fajar Riza Ul Haq emphasized that these modules are not meant to be supplementary material but learning instruments designed to instill healthy eating habits from an early age. He explained that educational success is strongly influenced by students’ health and nutrition status; therefore, MBG must offer more than food—it must provide understanding that shapes long-term habits. Differentiating modules for PAUD to senior high school demonstrates the government’s view that nutrition education is a staged process that must align with students’ developmental levels.
This initiative aligns with various reports showing that nutrition education remains a major gap in Indonesia’s education system. By integrating nutrition modules into learning, the government is not only improving daily consumption among schoolchildren but also building a foundation of long-term health literacy to prevent future health problems. This is a visionary step connecting education, health, and food security under one policy framework.
Member of Commission IX of the Indonesian House of Representatives, Charles Honoris, highlighted that the National Nutrition Agency (BGN), as the MBG implementing institution, must serve as the driving force of national nutrition education. He argued that BGN should not only oversee food distribution or regulate standards but should also actively engage communities through campaigns, coaching, and intensive field assistance. His view reinforces the idea that MBG is a transformative program—it must change behavior, not merely meet needs.
Charles expressed this view at a critical moment, particularly after several food poisoning incidents linked to MBG service providers. He stressed the importance of firm government action, including the permanent closure of SPPG facilities proven negligent. Such swift measures, he said, demonstrate the government’s commitment to maintaining MBG’s food quality and safety as well as public trust. In a national-scale program, such responses serve as evidence that oversight systems are functioning.
A representative of the National Nutrition Agency, Mochammad Halim, stated that nutrition education must be a core pillar of MBG’s sustainability. He emphasized that direct interaction with communities is key to program success. Halim also underscored the importance of collaboration with local governments, as the implementation of MBG is heavily influenced by infrastructure readiness, provider capacity, and community participation. Through this collaborative approach, BGN aims to ensure that MBG does not run mechanically but truly becomes a movement for behavioral change in food consumption.
Interestingly, various MBG socialization activities across regions—including Badung and other areas—show that communities are responding positively. Education on the importance of nutritious local foods, the role of animal protein, the importance of breakfast habits, and anemia prevention is increasingly delivered through public forums. This indicates that MBG has successfully created educational space that had long been missing in conventional health communication patterns.
Strengthening MBG as a national nutrition education ecosystem is also closely linked to the government’s growing focus on preventing non-communicable diseases. Unhealthy eating patterns are proven to be one of the biggest risk factors for NCDs among young people. By providing not only meals but also understanding, MBG becomes a long-term investment. Healthy eating habits established today will reduce national healthcare costs, lessen the disease burden, and increase youth productivity in the future.
MBG also creates opportunities for community empowerment. Many schools are now collaborating with local farmer groups, food MSMEs, and village cooperatives to supply raw ingredients. Thus, MBG helps stimulate local economies by utilizing nutritious, locally produced foods. If local food supply chains are strengthened, MBG can become a driver of community-based economic growth, aligned with the government’s vision to reduce reliance on imported goods.
The program holds significant potential to become a model for integrated nutrition policy linking education, health, economy, and social development. With an interconnected ecosystem, MBG can shape a generation that is not only physically healthy but also equipped with strong nutrition literacy. When children understand the reasons behind nutritious food choices, behavioral change can occur independently and sustainably.
Through the progressive steps now underway, the government is demonstrating its strong commitment to building a healthier and more competitive Indonesia. MBG proves that public policy can be both visionary and provide direct benefits to society. May this program continue to grow, be monitored, and be strengthened collectively by all elements of the nation as part of Indonesia’s journey toward Golden Indonesia 2045.
*) Social Observer
