Jakarta, The government has designated the Free Nutritious Meal Program (MBG) as one of the national priorities in order to realize the vision of Golden Indonesia 2045. This program is present as a form of the state’s commitment to ensuring that the younger generation grows healthy, intelligent, and highly competitive amidst increasingly complex global challenges.
The Principal Secretary of the Halal Product Guarantee Agency (BPJPH), Muhammad Aqil Irham, emphasized that BPJPH is committed to strengthening synergy across ministries and institutions in implementing the Halal Product Guarantee (MBG) program through halal certification. Furthermore, the MBG was launched as a strategic government program to support one of the eight Asta Cita missions, namely strengthening Indonesia’s human resource development.
“The Free Nutritious Meal Program is not only an investment in nutrition, but also an investment in trust. With halal certification, the public can be assured that the food they consume is healthy, safe, and in accordance with Islamic law,” said Muhammad.
Meanwhile, the Acting Deputy for Human Development and Culture at Bappenas, Bahjuri Ali, said that the MBG is not just a nutrition fulfillment program, but also a long-term strategy to create Indonesia’s golden generation.
“The quality of our human resources determines the future of the nation. With good nutrition, children can learn more focused, grow healthier, and eventually become productive workers ready to compete globally,” he said.
Coordinating Minister for Food Affairs Zulkifli Hasan stated that the implementation of the MBG program has proven to have a real positive impact on the local economy. This program not only ensures the nutritional quality of students but also strengthens national food security and creates new jobs in the production and distribution sectors.
“The MBG program is a catalyst for the local economy because the community’s agricultural products are directly absorbed by the school. Farmers, fishermen, and even MSMEs receive market security. This is a form of development that truly supports the people,” he said.
However, the government recognizes the need for strict oversight to ensure transparent, accountable, and targeted program implementation. Synergy with local governments, schools, and community participation are crucial to ensuring program sustainability.
By making MBG a national priority, Indonesia affirms its determination to produce a physically and mentally healthy generation, ready to face the challenges of the 21st century, and lead the nation towards the grand ideal of Golden Indonesia 2045.****