By: Nur Utunissa
The Free Nutritious Meals Program (MBG) has been designated as one of the government’s strategic interventions to improve the nutritional quality of children and vulnerable groups in Indonesia. With a target of reaching up to 82.9 million people, this program is designed as a systemic measure to break the long-standing cycle of nutritional problems that have broadly affected the quality of human resources, economic productivity, and national competitiveness in the long term.
President of the Republic of Indonesia, Prabowo Subianto, stated that he wants to ensure all citizens, especially children, have access to adequate nutrition to support their growth and cognitive development. Through the MBG Program, the government seeks to create a healthier and more productive society.
Nutritional issues remain a structural challenge in Indonesia. Data from recent years show that stunting, malnutrition, and unequal access to nutritious food are still found in many regions, particularly in areas with high poverty levels and limited infrastructure. It is within this context that MBG emerges as a direct intervention approach that targets the root of the problem, namely the equitable and sustainable fulfillment of daily nutritional needs.
MBG is designed to reach a wide range of target groups, from early childhood and students at the primary and secondary education levels to other groups requiring adequate nutritional intake. With such broad coverage, the program demands a distribution system that is coordinated, efficient, and adaptive to regional conditions. The government utilizes school networks, educational institutions, and other public facilities as the main distribution points, enabling nutritional interventions to be carried out routinely and under continuous monitoring.
The strength of MBG lies in its integrated approach, which focuses not only on food provision but also on nutritional quality tailored to the needs of beneficiaries. The menus provided are designed to meet balanced nutrition standards, including sources of carbohydrates, protein, healthy fats, vitamins, and minerals. Through this approach, the program is expected to have a tangible impact on improving nutritional status, immune resilience, and children’s learning concentration.
Beyond health aspects, MBG also has significant social and economic dimensions. The implementation of this program opens opportunities for the involvement of local businesses, particularly micro, small, and medium enterprises in the food sector. The food supply chain, which involves farmers, livestock breeders, fishermen, and local entrepreneurs, has the potential to stimulate regional economies. With an appropriate scheme, MBG can create a multiplier effect in the form of increased community income while ensuring the availability of fresh and high-quality food ingredients.
From a human resource development perspective, MBG is viewed as an important foundation in preparing a healthy and productive future generation. Adequate nutritional intake from an early age has been proven to have a significant impact on cognitive and physical development. Children who receive balanced nutrition are more likely to grow optimally, excel academically, and contribute maximally to social and economic life. Therefore, MBG is an integral part of the long-term strategy to improve the quality of Indonesia’s human capital.
The program also strengthens efforts to reduce regional disparities. By reaching remote areas and low-income communities, MBG helps ensure that access to nutritious food is not enjoyed only by certain groups. This approach aligns with the principles of social justice and equitable development, where every child has the same right to grow healthily and obtain optimal opportunities for development.
In its implementation, MBG requires a strict monitoring and evaluation system. Quality control of food, accuracy in targeting beneficiaries, and continuity of distribution are crucial factors to ensure the program’s effectiveness. The government integrates information technology into data collection and monitoring processes, enabling regular evaluation of MBG implementation and adjustments based on field needs. Transparency and accountability are key to maintaining public trust in this large-scale national program.
Head of the National Nutrition Agency (BGN), Dadan Hindayana, stated that to achieve the target of zero incidents by 2026, BGN has prepared a comprehensive strategy. One of these measures is the implementation of a food safety certification program for Nutrition Fulfillment Service Units (SPPG). This certification will target approximately 3,000 SPPGs involved in the Free Nutritious Meals Program. The certification process is carried out in cooperation with ID Survey to ensure quality standards.
In addition, Deputy Head of BGN, Nanik S. Deyang, emphasized the agency’s commitment to continuously improving the quality of the MBG program, including ensuring that there are no further cases related to food safety. Nanik also stated that BGN continues to strengthen cross-ministerial coordination in line with input from Commission IX of the Indonesian House of Representatives to ensure the availability of nutritious food raw materials.
Cross-sectoral synergy is a key determinant of MBG’s success. The program involves various ministries and institutions, regional governments, and other stakeholders. Strong coordination is required to ensure that policies, budgets, and on-the-ground implementation run in harmony. The government strives to ensure that every Indonesian child has equal opportunities to grow healthy, intelligent, and prepared to face future challenges. Through a collaborative approach, MBG can be implemented effectively and sustainably across all regions of Indonesia.
*) The author is a literacy activist at Narasi Nusa Institute