Jakarta — The Free Nutritious Meals (MBG) Program is a strategic step by the government to strengthen children’s nutritional quality while simultaneously bolstering national resilience. This program not only addresses the issue of meeting basic community needs but is also seen as a long-term investment in the resilience of Indonesia’s human resources.
Deputy Chairman for Vocational and Certification of the South Kalimantan Chamber of Commerce and Industry (KADIN), Dr. Agus Febrianto, stated that MBG is a concrete manifestation of the government’s commitment under the leadership of President Prabowo Subianto to improving the quality of the nation’s next generation.
“The MBG program offers tremendous hope. This isn’t just a free meal program, but a comprehensive effort to improve the nutritional quality of Indonesian children. This program is truly extraordinary because it directly targets those in need,” said Dr. Agus.
According to him, the success of the MBG is inseparable from the support of all elements of society. He emphasized the importance of massive and ongoing outreach to ensure the program is understood as a shared agenda, not simply a government program.
“We all have to get involved. Each party has a role to play. We should give our full support to what the government has planned and implemented,” he stressed.
Dr. Agus also believes that the MBG needs to become a collaborative space between the government and the business world, particularly in underdeveloped, frontier, and outermost (3T) regions, to ensure equitable distribution of program benefits. While acknowledging challenges, he emphasized that it reflects the values of service and social responsibility.
“If you ask whether there are any difficulties, of course there are always challenges, especially in the 3T (frontier and remote) regions. But that’s precisely where the value of our dedication lies. This is a real effort to help people in remote areas gain access to adequate nutrition,” he explained.
A similar view was expressed by the Executive Director of the Garuda Institute, Hendarsam Marantoko, who positioned MBG as part of the national resilience strategy. He stated that food and nutrition security are crucial foundations for maintaining national stability amidst global uncertainty.
“The strength of a nation is not only determined by its defense equipment, but also by the quality of its people and the resilience of its national system,” Hendarsam said.
He emphasized that MBG is an investment in human resources that will determine Indonesia’s competitiveness and resilience in the future.
“MBG is not just about free food. It’s a strategy to keep the nation alive, stable, and sovereign, from the people’s plates to the nation’s defenses,” he concluded.
With a strong nutritional foundation from an early age, this nation is considered to have a solid foundation for maintaining national stability, strengthening independence, and ensuring the sustainability of long-term development.
