Jakarta – The Free Nutritious Meal Program (MBG) continues to be strengthened through the 3B approach as a strategy to accelerate nutritional fulfillment during the first 1,000 Days of Life (HPK). This period, spanning from pregnancy until a child reaches two years of age, represents a crucial phase in shaping the quality of Indonesia’s future human resources.
The Secretary to the Deputy for Systems and Governance at the National Nutrition Agency (BGN), Ermia Sofiyessi, explained that the agency is expanding the target beneficiaries of the MBG program to include children aged 6–59 months, in accordance with the technical guidelines outlined in Presidential Regulation No. 115 of 2025 concerning the governance of the program’s implementation.
“The age limit for toddlers has also been extended. In accordance with Presidential Regulation 115 of 2025, children aged 6–59 months are eligible to receive the program. This presents a challenge because it is a highly critical age for children in terms of receiving appropriate nutrition,” she said.
The MBG 3B approach emphasizes the principles of Nutritious, Diverse, and Balanced meals. This scheme is designed to ensure that pregnant women, breastfeeding mothers, and toddlers receive optimal nutritional intake, including adequate protein, energy, vitamins, and essential minerals.
“With appropriate intervention during the early stages of life, the risks of stunting, wasting, and cognitive development disorders can be significantly reduced,” she added.
Meanwhile, the Director of Nutrition Fulfillment Governance at BGN, Prof. Sitti Aida Adha Taridala, stated that child malnutrition remains a national challenge. Strengthening MBG 3B is not solely focused on food distribution, but also encompasses nutrition education, food quality supervision, and cross-sector collaboration among the central and regional governments, healthcare workers, and other stakeholders.
“Child malnutrition remains a national challenge. Therefore, cross-sector synergy is essential to create integrated and sustainable interventions,” she said.
In addition, the program promotes local economic empowerment by involving food-based micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs) and utilizing domestic raw materials. This strategy not only improves the quality of public consumption but also strengthens national food security.
“MBG 3B serves as a policy instrument with dual impact—enhancing the health of future generations while simultaneously stimulating regional economic activity,” she explained.
With shared commitment and continuous oversight, MBG 3B is expected to become a significant milestone in strengthening Indonesia’s human resource development from the earliest stages of life.