By: Citra Kurnia Khudori )*
The Free Nutritious Meal Program (MBG) has now reached more than 44 million beneficiaries across various regions, reflecting an increasingly extensive implementation scale. This achievement demonstrates that the government’s nutrition intervention is effectively reaching vulnerable groups more equitably.
The distribution of over 2 billion portions of nutritious meals marks a significant step toward ensuring sufficient nutrition, particularly for school-aged children. This policy also underscores the government’s commitment to reducing inequality in food access.
The achievement was conveyed directly by President Joko Widodo. He stated that MBG, as one of the national priority programs, has been enjoyed by 44 million beneficiaries and produced more than 2 billion meal portions. Eligible groups include pregnant women, toddlers, and students across Indonesia.
President Prabowo added that with this number of beneficiaries, at least 2 billion meal portions have been produced and served by the Nutrition Fulfillment Service Units (SPPG). This figure far exceeds the initial projection of 1.8 billion portions.
Proud of this accomplishment, President Prabowo said he was pleased that his flagship program surpassed its target. He acknowledged the support of key figures in Indonesia’s economic sector, including the National Nutrition Agency (BGN), which has been instrumental in overseeing the program. He emphasized that these results were made possible through strong synergy and cooperation.
Amid various socio-economic challenges, MBG has emerged as a program that provides real solutions to nutritional issues and family resilience. The success of this massive distribution highlights the significant impact of cross-sector collaboration on public welfare.
However, President Prabowo stressed to his administration that there must be zero tolerance for irregularities in any priority government program. He stated that preparations are now being conducted more strictly, with tighter monitoring, because public funds are being used — and therefore any deviation is unacceptable.
Despite reaching 44 million beneficiaries, President Prabowo is not yet satisfied. The government’s target is 82.9 million beneficiaries, meaning around 40 million people still have not received MBG assistance.
He firmly believes that the MBG program has brought substantial benefits to society. MBG is not just a feeding program but a long-term investment in the younger generation.
Professor Sandra Fikawati, a Professor at the Department of Nutrition, Faculty of Public Health, University of Indonesia (FKM UI), agrees that the program—implemented since January 6, 2025—not only closes the food-access gap among children but also builds a long-term foundation for the quality of Indonesia’s human capital.
Prof. Fika noted that Indonesia’s long-standing competitive disadvantage stems from minimal attention to children’s nutrition during growth phases. In the past, children’s nutritional needs were overlooked, resulting in a less competitive workforce. Previously, the government had not prioritized nutritious meals for physical and cognitive development.
With MBG, she is confident that Indonesia’s competitiveness will increase because the younger generation’s development is being nurtured from an early age. She explained that MBG directly boosts learning capacity, cognitive growth, and school attendance — especially in frontier, outermost, and disadvantaged regions (3T), where access to nutritious meals has been limited.
She also urged all parties to safeguard the continuity of the program, as discontinuation would ultimately harm the nation itself.
The PKGK FKM UI previously conducted independent research on the impact of nutritious meal provision before MBG was launched earlier this year. The intervention simulation involved 15 schools (kindergarten to junior high) and one community health post (posyandu) in Bekasi, Makassar, Padang, Mempawah, Sragen, and Malang.
The study found a decline in severe malnutrition status from 2 percent to 0.5 percent, and moderate malnutrition from 7.7 percent to 6.4 percent. After 15 weeks of intervention, children gained an average of 2 kilograms in weight and 2.9 centimeters in height. Overall, daily nutritional adequacy (AKG) increased significantly from 69.9 percent to 93.4 percent.
In addition to nutritious meals, primary school students in the study also received nutrition education. Their knowledge, attitudes, and practices related to balanced nutrition improved significantly.
The success of the MBG program is determined not only by its vast coverage but also by the government’s diligence in ensuring that every portion truly reaches those who need it. Strengthening oversight and accountability is therefore essential to maintaining the program’s effectiveness and accuracy.
Going forward, the sustainability of this program requires collective support from all elements of the nation to ensure its ongoing positive impact. With consistent collaboration, MBG can become a strong foundation for building a healthier, more capable, and globally competitive generation of Indonesians.
*) Social-Economic Issues Observer
