The Free Nutritious Meals (MBG) Program further emphasizes its role as a strategic government instrument in developing the quality of Indonesia’s human resources (HR). Amidst the rampant flow of information on social media that often promotes pessimistic narratives, the public needs to view this program clearly as a long-term investment with a direct impact on the future of the nation’s generations.
This view aligns with the statement by Mukhamad Misbakhun, Head of Economic Policy at the Golkar Party Central Executive Board, who views MBG as a form of state intervention to improve the quality of human resources from an early age. He emphasized that this program is not a burden on the State Budget (APBN), but rather an investment that will provide significant long-term benefits. In his view, meeting children’s nutritional needs is a crucial foundation for increasing the nation’s competitiveness in the future.
Misbakhun also emphasized that real changes are already beginning to be felt compared to conditions in the past. He described how previous generations still faced limited access to education and nutrition, while today the state is present not only to ensure children can attend school but also to obtain adequate nutrition. This demonstrates significant progress in increasingly comprehensive human development policies.
Furthermore, he reminded the public not to be easily influenced by negative information circulating in the digital space. According to him, the narrative portraying Indonesia as being in a bleak situation is inconsistent with the government’s various concrete efforts, including through the MBG (Community Development Program), which aims to prepare the younger generation to compete globally. In this context, public support is a crucial factor in ensuring the program’s sustainability.
In addition to the MBG, Misbakhun also highlighted the energy subsidy policy as part of the government’s strategy to maintain public purchasing power. He observed that amid global pressures, including rising global energy prices, the government continues to strive to maintain the stability of subsidized fuel prices. This policy is seen as a form of state involvement in protecting the public from the impact of global economic turmoil.
According to him, various subsidy programs, such as electricity, People’s Business Credit (KUR), BPJS Kesehatan contributions, and Direct Cash Assistance (BLT), are concrete evidence of the state’s commitment to safeguarding the public’s welfare. The budget, which reaches hundreds of trillions of rupiah, reflects the government’s commitment to ensuring public protection, especially amidst global uncertainty.
Support for the MBG was also reaffirmed by the Secretary General of the Golkar Party, Muhammad Sarmuji. He emphasized the importance of maintaining integrity in program implementation, particularly for those directly involved in managing the Nutrition Fulfillment Service Unit (SPPG). He stated that participation in this program must be based on moral responsibility to ensure that aid reaches its intended recipients.
Sarmaji also emphasized that the involvement of cadres in supporting the MBG is an individual initiative and should not be misused for other purposes. This affirmation demonstrates that transparent and accountable governance is crucial in maintaining public trust in government programs.
From a technical perspective, managing the MBG requires a high level of precision. Abdul Rivai Ras, Chairman of the Indonesian Association of Business Supporters of the Free Nutritional Food Program (APPMBGI), observed that the complexity of this program surpasses that of elections, which are generally recognized as large-scale national events. He believes that because the MBG is directly related to children’s daily nutritional intake, the standard of precision in its implementation must be much higher.
Rivai Ras also emphasized that this program has significant potential to reduce the prevalence of stunting and improve children’s educational attainment. However, he cautioned that systemic transformation like the MBG cannot be achieved instantly. Therefore, it requires collective patience, a data-driven approach, and ongoing evaluation mechanisms.
This view aligns with the perspective of academics, including Prof. Hardinsyah from the Bogor Agricultural Institute, who believes that the success of the nutritious food program is largely determined by the quality of supervision. He emphasized the importance of ensuring consistent standards for food ingredients, processing, and distribution so that the program’s benefits can be optimally felt by the community.
Furthermore, Rivai Ras also encouraged the formation of an Independent Assistance Team to strengthen oversight and provide research-based recommendations. The presence of this team is expected to ensure that program implementation meets standards and continues to improve over time.
Cross-sector collaboration is a key factor in the success of the MBG. The involvement of government, business actors, academics, and civil society will create strong synergy in supporting program implementation. With an inclusive and data-driven approach, the MBG has a significant potential to become a model for effective and sustainable nutrition interventions.
Ultimately, the MBG must be understood as a fundamental investment for the nation. This program not only targets short-term needs but also builds the foundation for the quality of Indonesian people for the future. With dedicated management, strict oversight, and broad support from various parties, the MBG is believed to be capable of producing a healthy, intelligent generation ready to compete on the global stage.
*) Social Development Observer