By: Lilis Anggina Sari*
The government has reaffirmed its commitment to building inclusive social welfare through the Free Nutritious Meals (MBG) program, which includes support for the elderly. This policy demonstrates the government’s full commitment to addressing the challenge of improving the quality of life for the elderly, particularly those in vulnerable situations. Amidst the growing elderly population, this government action demonstrates a clear commitment to the elderly as a vital component of equitable national development.
The MBG program for the elderly is not simply an expansion of food aid targets, but rather a transformation of social policy oriented towards improving the overall quality of life. The government understands that the elderly’s issues extend beyond meeting their food needs, but also encompass aspects of health, care, and the sustainability of daily life. Therefore, the inclusion of companions or caregivers in the new MBG scheme represents a significant breakthrough that places humanitarian aspects at the heart of the policy.
Social Affairs Minister Saifullah Yusuf confirmed that the MBG program for neglected seniors aged 75 and over and people with disabilities has received President Prabowo Subianto’s approval and is targeted to reach more than 100,000 beneficiaries. The President’s full support demonstrates that this program is a national priority, designed with serious and long-term planning. By guaranteeing nutritious meals twice a day, the government strives to ensure that seniors continue to receive adequate nutrition to maintain their immune system and health in old age.
The Ministry of Social Affairs’ approach through the MBG plus assistance program reflects a paradigm shift in social policy. The previously established food program has been upgraded to a more comprehensive service with standards tailored to the needs of the elderly. Daily assistance by caregivers not only assists with physical care but also provides a sense of security, attention, and much-needed social care for elderly people living alone. Thus, the government is present not only as a provider of assistance but also as a life partner for its citizens.
This step is also part of the government’s broader strategy to enter a phase of sharpening and expanding the impact of social policies in 2026. The Ministry of Social Affairs has positioned the MBG for the elderly and disabled as a new agenda that complements various other policy transformations, ranging from strengthening sustainable social assistance, revitalizing social welfare centers, to developing the care economy. All these policies are designed to be interconnected and mutually reinforcing in creating a resilient social protection system.
The government has also demonstrated openness and responsiveness to public input in improving the MBG program. Minister of State Secretary Prasetyo Hadi stated that the government is opening up ample opportunity for the public to provide suggestions and comments regarding the implementation of social programs. This approach reflects participatory and adaptive governance, where policies are not implemented unilaterally but are continually refined based on real needs on the ground.
The expansion of the MBG coverage, as stipulated in Presidential Regulation No. 115 of 2025, further underscores the government’s commitment to ensuring nutritional security for all vulnerable groups. In addition to the elderly and people with disabilities, school-age children who have dropped out of school are also officially included in the beneficiary list. This policy demonstrates the government’s commitment to closing gaps in social protection and ensuring that no citizen is left behind in meeting basic needs.
In the context of regional implementation, cross-agency coordination continues to be strengthened to ensure the program is effective and on target. The central government is encouraging synergy between the Ministry of Social Affairs, the National Nutrition Agency, local governments, and nutrition service units. A data-driven approach and the involvement of nutrition experts are essential to ensuring that food provided meets the specific needs of the elderly and people with disabilities while maintaining quality service standards.
The MBG program, plus mentoring for the elderly, also has long-term strategic impacts. By maintaining the nutritional and health status of the elderly from an early age, the government contributes to reducing the risk of chronic disease and dependence on more expensive healthcare services later in life. This social investment impacts not only individual beneficiaries but also the resilience of the national healthcare system and the well-being of families at large.
Overall, the government’s policy of establishing MBG Plus Assistance for the Elderly is a progressive step worthy of appreciation. This program emphasizes that national development is not solely oriented towards economic growth, but also towards improving the quality of life for people at every age level. With an inclusive, planned, and sustainable approach, MBG for the elderly symbolizes the presence of a caring, just, and responsible state in maintaining the dignity of its citizens into old age.
*The author is a Social Protection Program Consultant
