By: Naumi Arika )*
Economic equality is one of the main goals set by the government in order to realize equitable public welfare. One of the real efforts made is to launch social programs that aim to help the community, especially the less fortunate. One of the programs that is currently receiving special attention is the free nutrition program, which aims to ensure that all levels of generations, especially those on the poverty line, can access nutritious food that is very necessary to support quality of life.
This program is expected to not only address the problem of malnutrition, but also become an important step in realizing economic equality throughout Indonesia. One of the main targets is to reduce the high stunting rate in Indonesia. This program also aims to ensure that children, especially in the most vulnerable areas, get enough nutritious food from an early age. Nutritious food provided by the government includes foods that are rich in protein, vitamins, minerals, and energy which are very much needed for children’s growth and development.
Head of the Presidential Communications Office, Hasan Nasbi said that there will be 5,000 Free Nutritional Meal Program (MBG) kitchens prepared for all regions of Indonesia, along with 5,000 members of the Nutrition Fulfillment Service Unit (SPPG).
The calorie content of each menu has also been arranged as well as possible to meet the nutritional intake of students. For example, for junior high and high school students, a food menu with 600 calories is prepared with around 75-80 grams of rice. While for PAUD and grade 1, grade 2, to grade 3 of elementary school is around 300 calories.
The government distributes nutritious food directly to people in need. This program is often implemented by providing nutritious food packages regularly to families who have been identified as beneficiaries. The distribution process is carried out with attention to justice and equality, and prioritizing the most marginalized areas.
In addition to families, the MBG program is also implemented in the education sector. The government provides nutritious food in schools, especially in areas with high poverty and stunting rates. This program aims to ensure that children in schools get good nutrition, which can support their concentration in learning and growth.
Head of the National Nutrition Agency (BGN), Dadan Hindayana said that this program will be implemented with the readiness of all existing infrastructure and his party prioritizes quality as planned by the President to prioritize quality, not just quantity.
To support the success of this program, the government also involves various health institutions and nutritionists to provide counseling to the community. This counseling aims to increase public insight into the importance of a healthy and nutritious diet, as well as how to choose nutritious food at affordable prices.
To support this program, the government involves local Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) in providing food ingredients. This not only ensures that the quality of food ingredients is maintained, but also helps empower the local economy.
Chairman of the Gerindra Party Faction, Budisatrio Djiwandono said, in addition to fulfilling quality nutrition, MBG is also able to boost the people’s economy, which of course involves local business actors, farmers, and fishermen, this program has the potential to create a sustainable economic ecosystem in the regions.
The Gerindra faction is also ready to oversee that this program runs according to the essence that was expected from the beginning and that they appreciate the performance of the National Nutrition Agency (BGN).
Involving MSMEs in this program has had a positive impact on the local economy. MSMEs that previously had difficulty marketing their products now have a wider market through government programs.
The government also involves the private sector in supporting the implementation of this program. Several large companies engaged in the food sector or food distribution also play a role in providing nutritious food at affordable prices. This collaboration is expected to increase distribution efficiency and reduce the burden on the government budget.
By consuming nutritious food, people will have a healthy body and enough energy to work. This will increase their productivity in working, which in turn will contribute to the family and regional economy. Children who get nutritious food from an early age will also grow into healthy, intelligent individuals who are ready to contribute to economic development in the future.
One of the significant impacts of this program is the economic equality in previously marginalized areas. With access to nutritious food, people in these areas can improve their welfare, which in turn can improve the economy of the area.
The free nutrition program launched by the government is one of the important steps in realizing economic equality throughout Indonesia. Through this program, it is hoped that it can overcome the problems of malnutrition, stunting, and socio-economic inequality in various regions. By improving the quality of community nutrition, this program not only has an impact on health, but also on increasing productivity and the quality of human resources, which in turn supports economic equality throughout Indonesia.
)* The author is a Public Observer
