Jakarta, – The government through the National Nutrition Agency (BGN) emphasized that the menu in the Free Nutritious Meal Program (MBG) has been designed in accordance with the Nutritional Adequacy Rate (AKG) and the Ministry of Health’s “Isi Piringku” guidelines. This affirmation was delivered to educate the public that MBG has met national food quality and safety standards.
Nutrition expert from BGN, Ikeu Tanziha, said that the MBG menu is dynamically adjusted to the consumption needs of school children based on age levels, physical conditions, and eating habits of the community at various times and situations, with millions of portions adjusted based on age levels and activity levels of school children.
“Nutritional standards still follow the established guidelines, with portion divisions adjusted based on education level,” he explained.
Since its launch on January 6, 2025, the MBG Program has been followed by around 4.89 million students as of June 12, 2025, covering PAUD to SMA. The provision of menus is adjusted to the nutritional needs per year and the potential of local ingredients in each region. To ensure sustainability and quality, the government has established Nutrition Fulfillment Service Units (SPPG) in almost all provinces, with more than 900 active points as of mid-year.
In terms of nutritional guidance, the MBG menu is processed based on the “Isi Piringku” guidelines to ensure that the combination of carbohydrates, protein, fiber, vitamins, and minerals is sufficient. BGN is also active in building Nutrition Fulfillment Service Units (SPPG), and to date, thousands of units have been established to serve various target groups, including school children, kitchen staff, pregnant women, breastfeeding mothers, and toddlers.
Previously, Member of Commission IX of the Indonesian House of Representatives, Nurhadi, emphasized the importance of the MBG program in human resource development. “Good nutrition is the basic foundation for creating a healthy, intelligent, and productive generation in the future,” he said.
He also highlighted the role of the National Nutrition Agency in strengthening the coordination and integration of nutrition programs at the national and regional levels. BGN representative, Alwin Supriadi, explained that the MBG program is very important for children’s growth, especially during the growth period that requires good nutritional intake.
“The National Nutrition Agency ensures that the available food products have good nutritional quality, are measured by nutritionists, and are evaluated regularly,” he said.
The MBG program also strengthens the local economy by empowering MSMEs and local farmers as the main providers of food ingredients. In its implementation, the government prioritizes food ingredients from MSMEs and local farmers such as sago, fish, milk, and eggs to support the regional economy and reduce logistics costs. This menu diversification encourages a variety of nutritious dishes that reflect local wisdom in the 3T areas.
The government is committed to making MBG not just a free food program, but a strategic momentum in forming superior human resources. The next steps include expanding SPPG to the outermost areas, strengthening the food quality system, intensive nutrition education, and periodic evaluations to optimize the program. With synergy between institutions and community participation, this program is expected to produce a healthy, intelligent, and productive generation of Indonesia.