The Indonesian Nutritionists Association (PERSAGI) continues to monitor this program with a scientific approach, emphasizing that the role of nutritionists is vital in preparing menus according to the Recommended Dietary Intake (RDA) and conducting organoleptic tests to ensure the safety and suitability of food.
Nutritionists strongly support the Free Nutritious Meals (MBG) program, considering it a crucial investment in human resource development. It can be a key element in preventing non-communicable diseases and accelerating stunting reduction efforts.
The General Chairperson of the DPP PERSAGI, Ir. Doddy Izwardy, said the recommendations focus on strengthening nutritional security, food security, digestive health, and public education.
The DPP PERSAGI is preparing recommendations for the government to strengthen national nutrition development. These were discussed at the 2nd PERSAGI National Scientific Meeting and will be submitted to the President as material for policy strengthening.
According to him, the role of professional organizations is needed to support the 2045 Golden Indonesia target and reduce stunting.
“Later, we will present the results of all these teams to the government and the President. Our goal is to achieve a 5% stunting rate by 2045, which is 19 years away. We are the ones who are trying to present this to the government because we have professional expertise,” said Doddy on the sidelines of the 2nd PERSAGI National Scientific Meeting held at the Trans Luxury Hotel Surabaya.
In his remarks, the Regional Secretary of East Java Province, Adhy Karyono, said that this scientific forum is very important for strengthening food security, nutritional resilience, and public education in supporting the success of the Free Nutritious Meal Program.
The MBG program not only provides benefits for the health of children, students, Islamic boarding school students, pregnant women, and toddlers, but also has a positive impact on economic growth, especially in East Java.
“This forum serves as a scientific conference space to discuss food security, nutritional accuracy, food safety, and strengthening education in the implementation of the Free Nutritious Meal Program,” he said.
Adhy Karyono, representing East Java Governor Khofifah Indar Parawansa, officially opened TIN II Persagi. He stated that the MBG ecosystem involves many sectors, from farmers, livestock breeders, fishermen, MSMEs, to food distributors. The involvement of these various sectors creates an economic cycle that can improve community welfare.
“The impact of the MBG Program is not only on improving the quality of public health, but also on driving the regional economy by empowering farmers, livestock breeders, fishermen, MSMEs, and food distribution actors,” he explained.
The implementation of MBG also opens up new job opportunities, thereby increasing community income and encouraging economic growth, both in East Java and nationally.