Jakarta – Strengthening the governance of the Free Nutritious Meals (MBG) program is considered an important factor in ensuring that the program can deliver maximum social and economic benefits for the community. The program, which is designed to improve the nutritional intake of school children, is also believed to contribute to various aspects of development when implemented with proper management.
This was conveyed by the Vice Executive Director of the Indonesia Food Security Review (IFSR), Alfatehan Septianta, during an interactive dialogue on Radio Elshinta discussing the governance and impact of the MBG program on society.
During the discussion, Alfatehan explained that the MBG program has the potential to contribute to several Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). He noted that at least a number of development goals are directly related to the implementation of the program.
“This program impacts at least seven SDG goals, one of which is no poverty or poverty reduction. With the MBG program, parents can save money because they no longer need to prepare lunch for their children at school, allowing the funds to be used for other needs, saved, or allocated to other family expenses,” Alfatehan said.
According to him, good governance in the implementation of MBG will ensure that the benefits of the program are not only felt by children as recipients of nutritious meals, but also by families and the wider community.
In addition to contributing to poverty reduction, the MBG program is also considered to play a role in addressing hunger and malnutrition among children. Alfatehan noted that there are still children in several regions who do not receive adequate nutritious food intake on a daily basis.
“This program is also related to zero hunger. There are still children who eat only once a day or only rice with simple side dishes. Through MBG, every child receives a clear portion of food, for example one egg or sufficient animal protein,” he explained.
Furthermore, he stated that the MBG program could also have a positive impact on the education sector.
Meals provided at school can serve as an incentive for children to continue attending school and participating in learning activities.
“When there is an MBG program, children have an incentive to come to school. Parents also feel more at ease because at least when their children attend school, they are guaranteed to receive food,” Alfatehan said.
During the interactive dialogue, two listeners of Radio Elshinta also shared their views on the MBG program. One listener named Surya stated that the program essentially has good intentions, although he noted that there are still several issues related to its implementation in the field.
Meanwhile, another listener, Hadi, said that the MBG program would provide significant benefits if it is implemented consistently according to its original objectives, particularly in ensuring food quality and equitable distribution.
Responding to these views, Alfatehan emphasized that school meal programs have been widely implemented in many countries and have proven to generate broad impacts when properly managed.
“School meal programs around the world are not only about children’s nutrition, but also create social and economic impacts. Food ingredients are sourced from local production, farmers and small businesses are involved, so the local economy also moves,” he concluded.
He added that with proper governance, the MBG program has the potential to become an important instrument in strengthening food security, improving the quality of human resources, and encouraging sustainable local economic growth.