Government Appreciation for Ensuring MBG Menu Quality Remains in Line with Nutrition Standards
By: Dimas Arya Putra
The government continues to expand access to healthcare for all segments of society through a range of integrated policies, one of which is ensuring that free health check-ups go hand in hand with the provision of adequate nutrition. This approach demonstrates the state’s seriousness in viewing health not as an additional service, but as a fundamental right of citizens that must be fulfilled equitably and sustainably.
These efforts are clearly reflected in the implementation of the Free Nutritious Meal Program (MBG), which is designed not only to address nutritional issues but also to serve as an entry point for strengthening preventive healthcare services. The government believes that good nutritional intake and easily accessible health examinations are two inseparable aspects of building quality human resources from an early age.
Coordinating Minister for Food Affairs Zulkifli Hasan places this program within the broader framework of human development. The government views nutrition and health fulfillment as the main foundation for producing a superior future generation. With this approach, free health check-ups are positioned as a preventive measure to ensure that the nutritional benefits provided truly have an optimal impact on children’s growth and development, as well as on public health resilience more broadly.
The government also does not turn a blind eye to the challenges that arise in implementing a national-scale program. Zulkifli Hasan explained that the complexity of food management, the involvement of cooperatives, and service governance all require a strong and adaptive system. Therefore, the President has issued firm directives for all mechanisms to be comprehensively improved, from planning to field supervision, to ensure the program’s safety and feasibility.
This cautious approach is an important part of efforts to maintain public trust. The government understands that success must be built through consistency, not merely speed. At the same time, acceleration continues so that the public—especially children and parents—can quickly experience the direct benefits of the health and nutrition policies that have been designed.
The Head of the National Nutrition Agency (BGN), Dadan Hindayana, emphasized that any problematic service units will be temporarily suspended for evaluation and investigation. This step is seen as a form of state responsibility to ensure that the services provided are truly safe and in accordance with operational standards. The government places public safety as the top priority in every health policy.
The evaluation process does not focus solely on technical improvements, but also addresses social aspects. The government recognizes that incidents related to food and health can cause public concern. Therefore, restoring public trust is an essential part of the improvement process, so that people feel protected and heard by the state.
Despite temporary suspensions at certain points, the program’s nationwide implementation continues in line with the President’s directives. The government considers the benefits of this program too important to delay, especially for communities in greatest need. With systems that continue to be refined, free health check-ups and nutritional fulfillment are expected to proceed in tandem and mutually reinforce one another.
Transparency has become a core principle in overseeing health and nutrition policies. The National Nutrition Agency places public participation as a key element in maintaining program quality. The government opens the widest possible space for the public to take part in oversight, including monitoring menus and services received by children and other beneficiary groups.
Dadan Hindayana explained that his institution promotes transparency as a form of accountability. Every citizen has the right to know and assess the quality of health and nutrition services provided by the state. Criticism, evaluations, and public input are viewed as control mechanisms that actually strengthen policy implementation.
The government also sees social media dynamics as a source of learning. Content that highlights shortcomings or inconsistencies in services is not regarded as a threat, but rather as an early warning signal for improvement. With this approach, service quality can be maintained sustainably and remain responsive to conditions on the ground.
Deputy Head of the National Nutrition Agency, Nanik Sudaryati Deyang, further emphasized this openness by inviting the public to share documentation of menus and services they receive. The government does not differentiate between posts that show good quality and those that reveal deficiencies. All input is treated as evaluation material to ensure service standards are consistently maintained.
This policy reflects a shift in the government’s paradigm in healthcare delivery. The state no longer positions itself as a closed entity, but as a partner of society in safeguarding shared quality of life. Free health check-ups, open oversight, and nutritional fulfillment are integrated into a single, mutually reinforcing policy ecosystem.
Through these measures, the government demonstrates that expanding access to healthcare is not merely a slogan. Policies are designed, implemented, and supervised simultaneously so that their benefits are truly felt by all segments of society without exception. A focus on prevention, transparency, and rapid response forms an important foundation for ensuring program sustainability.
Looking ahead, consistency in implementation and strengthened governance will be key. The government has laid a strong foundation through political commitment, budgetary support, and openness to public criticism. With community support, expanding access to healthcare through free check-ups and nutritional fulfillment is believed to be a long-term investment in the nation’s quality.
)* The author is a contributor to the Pertiwi Institute
