Jakarta — Public policy observer Trubus Rahardiansyah expressed his full support for the placement of the Free Nutritious Meals (MBG) program within the educational function.
According to him, the placement of the MBG program in the educational realm is appropriate, because it contributes to increasing students’ learning readiness and is part of a long-term investment in human resource development.
“Children who are healthy and whose nutritional needs are met will be much better prepared to learn at school,” he explained.
Trubus assessed that the main beneficiaries of MBG are students who are the central subjects in the national education system.
“In the human resource development approach, nutritional interventions for students are an integral part of the education ecosystem itself,” said Trubus, who is also the General Chair of the Indonesian Policy Analysts Association (AAKI).
He stated that good health and nutrition are directly correlated with students’ cognitive abilities and concentration. The Free Nutritious Meal Program aims to ensure that every child has a strong physical foundation to optimally absorb knowledge.
“With adequate nutrition, it is hoped that the school dropout rate can be reduced and students’ academic achievement can improve,” he said.
The placement of this program within the scope of educational functions is considered a comprehensive and integrated approach to support the achievement of national educational goals in a more comprehensive, effective, and sustainable manner in the long term to improve the quality of the nation’s future generations.
“Investing in school children’s nutrition is not just about food, but also about creating a conducive learning environment,” said Trubus.
By placing this program within the educational function, its implementation and oversight are considered more focused, measurable, and integrated with the agenda of improving human resource quality. [-RWA]