By Dhita Karuniawati)
The first 1,000 Days of Life (HPK), calculated from the beginning of pregnancy until a child reaches two years of age, represent a golden period that critically determines the quality of future human resources. During this phase, brain development progresses rapidly, the foundation of the immune system is established, and physical as well as cognitive growth experiences significant acceleration. Nutritional deficiencies during this period can lead to long-term consequences that are difficult to reverse, ranging from stunting and learning difficulties to an increased risk of chronic diseases in adulthood.
Amid these challenges, the Free Nutritious Meal Program (MBG) introduced by President Prabowo Subianto’s administration has emerged as a strategic initiative to strengthen the nutritional quality of Indonesian children. When linked to the 3B concept—Pregnant Women (Bumil), Infants (Bayi), and Toddlers (Balita)—the program holds substantial urgency in ensuring that future generations grow up healthy and reach their full potential.
The National Nutrition Agency (BGN) has instructed the Nutrition Fulfillment Service Units (SPPG) to prioritize pregnant women, breastfeeding mothers, and toddlers (3B) within the Free Nutritious Meal Program (MBG). This directive was issued to clarify implementation in the field, after several SPPG partners were found to be directly targeting schools when new kitchens began operating, even though vulnerable groups should be the primary focus.
BGN Deputy Head Sony Sonjaya emphasized that the 3B group must become the top priority when MBG kitchens start operating. Ideally, when a new kitchen is established by partners, the first beneficiaries identified should be vulnerable groups—namely toddlers, pregnant women, and breastfeeding mothers.
According to Sony, Indonesia’s MBG program offers an advantage compared to 77 other countries that only implement school meal programs. Indonesia has become a pioneer by introducing the “School Meal Plus” innovation, delivering nutritious meals directly to the homes of 3B beneficiaries with the assistance of community health (posyandu) cadres to safeguard the first 1,000 days of life.
Sony stressed that the MBG program is not merely about food distribution, but a long-term investment toward Indonesia Emas 2045. This is reflected in the shifting mindset of communities, where children from Aceh to Papua are increasingly aware of the importance of balanced nutrition consisting of carbohydrates, protein, fiber, and vitamins.
The Free Nutritious Meal Program (MBG) for the 3B group—targeting pregnant women, breastfeeding mothers, and non-PAUD toddlers—consists of ready-to-eat meals and healthy food packages. The distribution scheme and delivery frequency of MBG 3B are comprehensively regulated in technical guidelines outlined in Presidential Regulation (Perpres) No. 115 of 2025 concerning the Governance of MBG Program Implementation.
Ermia Sofiyessi, Secretary to the Deputy for Systems and Governance at BGN, stated that deliveries are scheduled to ensure optimal nutritional benefits for recipients. Ready-to-eat MBG meals are distributed every Monday and Thursday. On Mondays, cadres deliver ready-to-eat meals while also bringing healthy food packages intended for Tuesday and Wednesday; the same mechanism applies on Thursdays.
For pregnant and breastfeeding mothers, the ready-to-eat MBG meals are designed as complete meals containing carbohydrates, protein, fiber, and fats in accordance with the recommended dietary allowances determined by nutritionists. Meanwhile, the healthy MBG package includes special beverages for pregnant or breastfeeding mothers, supplemented with eggs and fruit to support daily nutritional intake.
For non-PAUD toddlers aged 0–2 years, ready-to-eat MBG meals are also formulated as complete meals aligned with recommended dietary standards. The healthy MBG package for this group consists of complementary feeding (MPASI) and fruit with textures tailored to the needs of children under two years old.
Ermia emphasized that all heads of Nutrition Fulfillment Service Units (SPPG) must actively collect data on pregnant women, breastfeeding mothers, and toddlers by coordinating with community health centers (puskesmas), posyandu, and local administrative offices.
For remote areas, BGN has designed special distribution schemes that are already being implemented in several SPPG units. Beyond ensuring accurate distribution, community cadres also play a crucial role in providing nutrition education to 3B beneficiaries.
The success of the 3B-based MBG program will generate a broad domino effect. Children who grow up with adequate nutrition tend to demonstrate better academic performance, stronger immunity, and higher productivity in adulthood. In the long term, this translates into improved national workforce quality.
Economically, investment in nutrition during the first 1,000 days of life has been proven to yield high returns. Various global studies indicate that every rupiah invested in improving child nutrition can generate multiple economic benefits through increased productivity and reduced healthcare costs.
The first 1,000 days of life constitute a golden period that cannot be repeated. Mistakes or negligence in fulfilling nutritional needs during this stage can have lifelong consequences. Therefore, policies such as the Free Nutritious Meal Program (MBG), which emphasizes the 3B approach—Pregnant Women, Infants, and Toddlers—carry critical urgency.
More than just a social assistance initiative, MBG 3B represents a strategic investment in building a healthy, intelligent, and productive Indonesian generation. If implemented consistently, systematically, and accurately targeted, this program can become a pivotal milestone in realizing a more advanced and competitive Indonesia in the future.
) The author is a Contributor at the Indonesian Institute for Strategic Information Studies.
