By: Irfan Aditya )*
Sustainable national development rests not only on the wealth of natural resources, but primarily on the quality of its human resources. In an era of increasingly fierce global competition, the greatest investment a country can make is in the nutrition, education, and character of its young generation. Recognizing this importance, the government under the leadership of President Prabowo Subianto and Vice President Gibran Rakabuming Raka launched the Free Nutritious Meals Program (MBG) as a strategic breakthrough in producing a healthy, intelligent, and highly competitive generation. This program is not merely a social policy, but rather the foundation of the nation’s future, a concrete effort to realize healthy nutrition for a great generation.
The MBG program stems from the realization that many Indonesian children, particularly in rural and remote areas, still suffer from malnutrition, stunting, and limited access to healthy food. If left unchecked, this situation will become a major obstacle to developing superior, productive, and competitive human resources. Therefore, the government has prioritized nutrition as part of its national development strategy, in line with the vision of “Golden Indonesia 2045.”
Indonesian House of Representatives member Sihar Sitorus stated that discussions on nutrition are not only about physical health but also about building a resilient civilization. The MBG program is a major step towards a healthy and competitive nation. Although its implementation is still ongoing, support from all parties is key to ensuring the program’s continued success, expansion, and sustainability.
Beyond simply providing food, the MBG Program has broad economic and social dimensions. The program is driven by involving farmers, fishermen, livestock breeders, and local micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs) in food supply. In this way, MBG not only improves the health of schoolchildren but also stimulates village economies and strengthens national food security.
Psychologically, good nutrition is directly proportional to a child’s learning ability and cognitive development. Research shows that children who receive adequate nutrition have higher learning concentration, better memory, and more consistent school attendance rates. Therefore, MBG not only reduces stunting rates but also strengthens the quality of national education. Every nutritious plate distributed at school is a smart investment in developing a clear-minded, mentally healthy, and competitive generation of young people. This program makes schools not just places to gain knowledge, but also spaces for healthy physical and mental growth.
In its implementation, the MBG also embodies collaboration between the central government, local governments, and communities. Schools, education committees, and parents are actively involved to ensure the program’s effective and targeted implementation. Local governments are given the freedom to adapt the menu to reflect local wisdom and available resources in their respective areas. This approach reflects the principle of healthy decentralization, which states that successful development must be rooted in community participation and take into account local characteristics.
Furthermore, the existence of MBG aligns with the global mission of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly the goals of eradicating hunger and improving health and well-being. In this context, Indonesia affirms its commitment to leaving no child behind on its journey to a prosperous future. Children who grow up healthy today are the productive workforce that will fill the development spaces of tomorrow; they will become scientists, leaders, entrepreneurs, and innovators who will bring Indonesia to the world stage. Healthy nutrition is the main foundation for producing a “golden generation” that is physically strong and intellectually superior.
Meanwhile, Sahmin Madina, an academic at the Sultan Amai State Islamic Institute (IAIN) in Gorontalo, stated that the effective implementation of the MBG Meal Program can act as an accelerator or accelerate the progress of the Indonesian nation. MBG is a long-term investment in developing the quality of Indonesian people. Its impact directly affects children’s cognitive development, productivity, and national competitiveness.
From a public policy perspective, the MBG represents a concrete example of a paradigm shift in human development. The government is not only talking about macroeconomic growth but also ensuring that growth is directly felt by the community through inclusive and equitable policies. This approach reflects the spirit of modern mutual cooperation, where the state is present not simply to provide fish but to ensure every child has the strength to swim towards their own future.
The MBG program is a symbol of national optimism, that Indonesia’s future can be built starting from the plates of schoolchildren. Every spoonful of rice, every piece of side dish, and every vegetable served contains great hope—the hope that Indonesian children will grow up healthy, think brilliantly, and dare to dream big. In the spirit of “Healthy Nutrition for a Great Generation,” the government reaffirms its commitment that national prosperity begins with a healthy body and a strong spirit. Through this program, Indonesia is writing a new chapter in the history of human development, a chapter in which nutrition is not just a basic need, but a strategic force that will lead the nation to future glory.
)* Public policy observer