By: Aditya Anggara )*
 
The Free Nutritional Meals (MBG) Program, which has now reached 39 million recipients, is a significant milestone in the nation’s journey toward nutritional independence and public health. Amidst the challenges of social inequality, high stunting rates, and limited access to nutritious food in some parts of Indonesia, this program represents a concrete response to the government’s commitment to developing superior human resources from an early age. This achievement is not merely a statistic, but a tangible symbol of the government’s determination to ensure every Indonesian child grows up healthy, intelligent, and competitive.
 
The MBG program is designed with a comprehensive approach that focuses not only on nutritional fulfillment but also on building collective awareness of the importance of a healthy diet. Through the distribution of nutritious food in schools, Islamic boarding schools, and vulnerable communities, this program targets children and community groups most in need. Thus, MBG not only promotes physical health but also fosters self-confidence and a passion for learning among Indonesia’s young generation. ¬†
The Head of the National Nutrition Agency (BGN), Dadan Hindayana, revealed that the Free Nutritious Meal Program (MBG) had reached 39.2 million beneficiaries, with a budget absorption of IDR 35 trillion as of October 28, 2025. Dadan added that the government is optimistic about achieving the target of reaching 82.9 million beneficiaries by the end of 2025.
 
The achievement of 39 million beneficiaries also demonstrates the successful synergy between the central government, regional governments, and the community. In its implementation, the MBG involves various parties, including relevant ministries, educational institutions, and civil society groups. This collaboration makes the program not just a government project, but a national movement rooted in the community. By involving local farmers and micro-enterprises in food supply, the MBG also has a tangible economic impact on the region.
 
From a public health perspective, the MBG is an effective prevention strategy for chronic nutritional problems such as stunting and anemia. According to several reports, children who regularly receive nutritious food show significant weight and height gains compared to those who do not. Furthermore, the nutritional knowledge taught through this program encourages families to adopt healthy eating patterns at home. In this way, the MBG instills sustainable good habits and forms a strong foundation for a healthy future generation.
This program also clearly reflects the spirit of equitable development championed by the Prabowo-Gibran administration. The government focuses not only on physical infrastructure but also prioritizes human development. Public welfare will never be achieved without good health and adequate nutrition. Therefore, the MBG is not merely a social policy but also a long-term investment for the nation’s future.
Meanwhile, Coordinating Minister for Food Affairs Zulkifli Hasan stated that several key regulations to support the implementation of the MBG program have been completed. The government is targeting full implementation of the program, reaching 82.9 million beneficiaries by early next year. He also stated that the MBG program is one of the government’s key programs due to its broad impact, both on improving public nutrition and the economic sector.
In addition to providing health benefits, the MBG is also a crucial instrument in strengthening national food security. By empowering farmers and utilizing local food products, the government ensures that the nutritious food supply chain operates independently and sustainably. The use of local ingredients such as eggs, fish, vegetables, and fruit from local farmers fosters the village economy while maintaining Indonesia’s food diversity. This step is also in line with the spirit of food sovereignty, where Indonesia is not only able to meet the nutritional needs of its people but also utilizes its own potential and resources.
Equally important, the MBG’s success in reaching 39 million recipients demonstrates the government’s ability to manage a large-scale program with high efficiency. Distribution transparency, food quality monitoring, and an integrated reporting system are pillars of this program’s success. In the context of modern governance, the MBG serves as a concrete example that carefully designed and diligently implemented public policies can have a significant impact on people’s welfare.
This achievement also carries a message of optimism for the entire nation. When basic needs such as nutritious food are guaranteed by the state, society has more room to develop and contribute. Healthy children haveThis generation will become a productive generation that will advance the nation in the future. With a spirit of mutual cooperation and increasing nutritional awareness, Indonesia is slowly but surely moving towards a future without hunger and malnutrition.
 
Ultimately, the MBG is not just a social program, but a national movement. A movement that instills values of caring, justice, and solidarity within society. With 39 million recipients directly benefiting, the MBG is proof that Indonesia is capable of building from the bottom of its people, fostering hope, strengthening the future, and forming a healthy and highly competitive golden generation. This is a major step towards National Nutrition, towards a strong and dignified Indonesia.
 
)* Public policy observer