By: Anindira Putri Maheswani
In the spirit of togetherness and commitment to achieving a healthier Indonesia, the Free Nutritious Meal (MBG) program continues to show positive progress in improving the nation’s nutritional quality. This program has not only received a positive response from the public but has also strengthened the synergy among various government institutions in realizing the vision of Indonesia Golden 2045. Support from various parties, including research managers, regional officials, and security institutions, emphasizes that MBG is a long-term investment for the growth and development of the nation’s future generations.
The MBG program continues to receive support from the Riau Provincial Government, which strengthens the MBG initiative. Zulkifli Syukur, Assistant I to the Regional Secretariat of Riau Province, conveyed the local government’s readiness to support the acceleration of the program’s implementation, despite still awaiting regulations and technical guidelines from the central government. With 15 Nutrition Fulfillment Service Units (SPPG) spread across various districts and cities in Riau, the local government shows high dedication in ensuring the MBG program is carried out optimally.
Zulkifli emphasized that the primary goal of this program is for children in Riau to grow optimally, not only physically but also in terms of their IQ development. This commitment aligns with strategic efforts to support Indonesia’s Golden Vision 2045, where the younger generation is the nation’s most important asset. The presence of SPPGs throughout Riau represents a concrete step showing that the regional government is not only focused on providing nutritious food but is also working to create a conducive environment for children’s growth and development.
At the national level, the Deputy for Systems and Governance at the National Nutrition Agency, Tigor Pangaribuan, explained that an evaluation and optimization meeting for the MBG program has been held following instructions from the President of the Republic of Indonesia. The meeting focused not only on evaluating the program’s implementation over the past few months but also on setting strategic targets for 2025. The MBG program, which includes participants from early childhood to senior high school students, as well as toddlers, pregnant women, and breastfeeding mothers, reflects a holistic approach to addressing national nutrition issues.
Tigor emphasized that the policies taken are in line with Presidential Regulation No. 83 of 2024 regarding the National Nutrition Agency. This signals the central government’s commitment to providing a robust regulatory framework to support efforts in improving nutritional quality. Therefore, each step of MBG’s implementation is not only reactive to current issues but also strategic in building a foundation for the health of future generations.
In addition to support from the health and education sectors, security institutions also play a role in strengthening the MBG program’s implementation. Banten Regional Police Chief, Inspector General Suyudi Ario Seto, explained that the development of healthy kitchens as a follow-up to the President’s Asta Cita program is a concrete step in supporting food security. The healthy kitchens, managed by 47 personnel from various nutrition and police departments, are expected to serve as role models for each police precinct in the Banten Police region.
The target to complete the construction of the healthy kitchen within the next month and its production capacity of 3,110 nutritious meals daily demonstrates the seriousness of the police in supporting the continuity of the MBG program. This initiative not only directly benefits school children, students with special needs, as well as pregnant and breastfeeding mothers, but also creates synergy among various state elements in facing food security challenges.
The implementation of the MBG program is a tangible result of synergy between policy, supervision, and evaluation carried out by various parties. This integration creates a system that focuses not only on providing nutritious food but also on improving the quality of life and the potential of the nation’s children. With support from the community, local governments, the central government, and law enforcement institutions, the MBG program has created momentum for broader change.
Looking at the various efforts and concrete steps that have been taken, it is clear that the MBG program is a policy focused on improving public welfare. This initiative not only directly impacts health but also positively affects education, the economy, and national food security. The support and commitment shown by various parties are examples of synergy that should be appreciated, considering that the existing challenges cannot be overcome by one party alone.
Active participation from the community, as well as synergy between various government institutions, is the key to the success of this program. Every small step we take today will have a big impact on future generations. Let us support MBG with enthusiasm because by providing optimal nutrition, we are not only creating healthy children but also a strong nation ready to face global challenges.
With consistent support, we can all play an active role in ensuring that the MBG program runs sustainably and optimally. Let us together welcome a brighter future for Indonesia with concrete steps toward a Healthy Indonesia, a Smart Indonesia, and Indonesia Golden 2045.
*) The author is a contributor to the Persada Institute.
