Lombok – Member of the Indonesian House of Representatives Commission, Muazzim Akbar, explained that the Free Nutritious Meals (MBG) program is the government’s commitment to realizing a healthy, intelligent, and strong generation towards Golden Indonesia 2045.
He said that the socialization carried out by the National Nutrition Agency (BGN) together with the Indonesian House of Representatives (DPR RI) was very important to ensure that information regarding the targets, mechanisms, and benefits of the program were conveyed clearly to the public.
“This program targets students from PAUD to SMA, Islamic boarding school students, toddlers, pregnant women, and breastfeeding mothers. Through direct socialization, the community can understand that MBG is not only about providing food, but also improving the quality of life as a whole,” he said.
Muazzim added that the implementation of the MBG program also encourages local economic empowerment by opening partnership opportunities for residents, both in terms of food procurement and labor in the prepared nutritional kitchen. That way, the impact of MBG is not only felt in terms of health, but also community welfare.
In line with Muazzim, Secretary of the Deputy for Promotion and Cooperation of BGN, Lalu Muhammad Iwan Mahardan, said that the fulfillment of quality nutrition greatly influences the growth and development of children, learning abilities, and the future of the younger generation. According to him, the success of this program is highly dependent on the involvement of all elements of society and the support of the local government.
“The MBG program is not just a short-term solution, but a long-term effort to prepare superior human resources. Active community participation is needed so that the optimal target of fulfilling children’s nutrition throughout Indonesia can be achieved,” he said.
Meanwhile, in the implementation in various regions, the socialization of the MBG program also touched on the participatory aspects of local communities, such as that carried out in Canduang District, Agam Regency, West Sumatra.
Member of Commission IX of the Indonesian House of Representatives, Ade Rezki Pratama, said that community involvement is a determining factor in the success of the program, both in terms of providing food supplies and in managing the nutrition kitchen.
“This program not only improves nutrition, but also opens up job opportunities and development of local potential, such as community agricultural products. This is the strength of the MBG program,” said Ade.
According to the Expert Staff of the BGN Deputy for Promotion and Cooperation, Adib Al Fikry, MBG is aimed at reducing stunting and malnutrition rates, as well as improving student learning achievement by providing nutritious food in schools.
“With good nutrition, students’ concentration and participation will increase, which contributes to improving the quality of education. MBG is a long-term health and education investment for the nation,” he explained.
Adib also emphasized that this program was designed comprehensively with a strict monitoring system, including by BPOM, and involved MSMEs, farmers, and fishermen in the supply chain to strengthen the local economic impact.