By: Eleine Pramesti
The Free Nutritious Meals (MBG) program has now become a national priority that the government is working hard to implement, aiming to create a healthy, strong, and intelligent generation of Indonesians. With an ambitious target of reaching 82.9 million beneficiaries, this program is not only a symbol of the country’s commitment to the well-being of its children but also a strategic step in supporting long-term human resources (HR) development. The acceleration of this program reflects the government’s seriousness in addressing persistent issues such as stunting, malnutrition, and the inequality of access to food that still affects many regions.
MBG is designed as a cross-sectoral policy, involving ministries/agencies, local governments, and the business world. This collaborative approach allows the program’s implementation to be more effective and to reach all segments of society, especially primary and secondary school children. These children are in a crucial growth phase and require a balanced diet every day. With a structured and standardized food distribution pattern, MBG is expected to make a significant impact in improving the health of Indonesia’s younger generation.
President Prabowo Subianto stated that the Free Nutritious Meals program (MBG) is targeted to benefit up to 82.9 million recipients by November 2025. Currently, the program has reached around 3 million people. He emphasized that by the upcoming November, all children and pregnant women will receive benefits from MBG daily to meet their nutritional needs.
The implementation of MBG is carried out through a scheme that integrates beneficiary data collection, provision of local food supplies, healthy food processing, and direct distribution to target points such as schools, Islamic boarding schools, and other community groups. The government utilizes digital systems to ensure data accuracy and minimize the potential for misuse. In addition, the involvement of small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), such as local eateries and home-based catering businesses, in the food provision process opens up significant opportunities for the local economy.
In its implementation, the MBG program is also directed to encourage national food security. The government aims to prioritize the use of local raw materials such as vegetables, fish, eggs, and fruits from local farmers and fishermen. This not only supports the availability of nutritious food but also strengthens domestic supply chains and guarantees markets for local food producers. Thus, MBG becomes part of an inclusive and sustainable people’s economy ecosystem.
Coordinating Minister for Food Affairs, Zulkifli Hasan, stated that the Free Nutritious Meals program has currently reached around 3.4 million beneficiaries, a number still far from the target of 82.9 million people. He emphasized the importance of accelerating the program’s implementation to achieve the set goals. During a meeting at the Coordinating Ministry for Food Affairs in Jakarta on May 9, 2025, he highlighted the need for further acceleration.
Zulkifli also stressed that Free Nutritious Meals is one of President Prabowo’s priority programs. The President listens to the aspirations of people from remote areas and immediately pushes for the acceleration of the program so that the benefits of MBG are felt evenly by all Indonesians. This situation is considered a moral burden for the President, which drives the urgency of accelerating the program’s benefits distribution.
Additionally, the government encourages innovation in food processing and presentation that aligns with local tastes while still meeting nutritional standards. This is crucial for the program’s success, as the public’s acceptance of the program depends greatly on taste preferences and eating habits. By collaborating with nutrition experts and local chefs, MBG is designed not just to serve food but also to create a pleasant dining experience and promote healthy eating habits. The Chairman of the National Food Body (BGN), Dadan Hindayana, mentioned that many proposals have been submitted regarding the acceleration mechanism of Free Nutritious Meals. With the numerous suggestions received, Dadan Hindayana is optimistic that the MBG program can be accelerated far beyond the initial target due to strong synergy and public enthusiasm.
In the long term, the success of MBG is expected to not only create a stunting-free generation but also improve national educational performance and productivity. Children who grow up with good nutrition are likely to have better concentration, stronger physical endurance, and more optimal intellectual potential. Therefore, MBG is considered a strategic national investment, not just a temporary aid program.
The government has also begun integrating MBG with other welfare programs such as social assistance, the Indonesia Health Card, and the Family Hope Program. This integration strengthens policy synergy and accelerates the achievement of the target for quality human development. This approach is also expected to reduce regional disparities in access to nutrition and basic services.
The success of this program moving forward will depend on collective commitment from the central government, local governments, businesses, civil society organizations, and active community participation. Each party has a strategic role in ensuring that nutritious food truly reaches the rightful beneficiaries, is consumed properly, and has a real impact on the lives of Indonesian children. By massively and systematically accelerating the Free Nutritious Meals program, the government is showing a progressive step in building the foundation of national progress from the most fundamental aspect: the health and nutrition of future generations.
*) Author is an Energy Journalist at Greenpeace Resources Institute
