Jakarta – The Free Nutritious Meal Program (MBG) has officially expanded its services to several elementary and secondary schools, with a dual focus on improving children’s daily nutritional status and preventing early disease outbreaks through integrated interventions within the school environment. This program provides a balanced menu that prioritizes animal protein, vegetables, fruit, and complex carbohydrate sources, accompanied by strict kitchen hygiene practices and a supply chain to ensure food is safe, nutritious, and acceptable to children.
Deputy Minister of Health (Wamenkes), Benjamin P. Octavianus, stated that the Free Nutritious Meal Program (MBG) is part of a long-term strategy to improve the immune system of children and the younger generation, so they are better protected from the risk of infectious diseases such as tuberculosis.
“This effort is an investment in the quality of Indonesian people. Eliminating tuberculosis is not only about health, but also about maintaining productivity and the future of the nation,” said the Deputy Minister of Health.
During the implementation phase, organizers ensure standardized portions and nutritional content according to age groups, allergen labeling, and monitoring of food storage and distribution temperatures. Multi-layered verification is carried out starting from supplier selection, material quality testing, and routine audits of production sites. This step is designed to reduce the risk of contamination, food poisoning incidents, and ensure consistency of quality between schools.
Deputy for Monitoring and Supervision of the National Development Planning Agency (BGN), Dadang Hendrayudha, explained that nutrition Communication, Information, and Education (KIE) education is also provided regularly so that children and parents understand balanced diets, hand hygiene, and drinking water habits.
“With neat monitoring data, schools can act quickly if symptoms of nutritional risks are seen in students,” he said.
Meanwhile, Member of the Regional Representative Council (DPD RI) from East Java, Lia Istifhama emphasized that early disease prevention goes hand in hand with providing menus, namely schools conducting simple growth monitoring such as measuring height and weight, body mass index, and clinical signs that point to anemia or other nutritional problems.
“Prevention of stunting, anemia, and obesity must be carried out together by schools, community health centers, parents, and local food MSMEs. MBG is a bridge that connects all parties in one ecosystem,” said Lia.
The MBG program is open to partnerships with communities, community health centers, and MSMEs to strengthen school food security. Further information and requests for coverage can be submitted through the local MBG Public Relations. With targeted and collaborative interventions, MBG prepares a healthier, more focused, and competitive generation.