Appreciation of the Success of the MBG Program in 100 Days of the Prabowo-Gibran Government

By: Rivka Mayangsari*)
The Prabowo-Gibran government has entered its first 100 days with a number of strategic achievements that deserve appreciation. One of the leading initiatives that has received widespread attention is the Free Nutritious Meal Program (MBG). This program is real evidence of the new government’s commitment to ensuring that children’s basic rights are fulfilled, especially in terms of fulfilling nutritional needs. More than just distributing nutritious food, MBG is also a strategic step to build Indonesia’s golden generation by improving the quality of life of children.
Under the leadership of President Prabowo Subianto and Vice President Gibran Rakabuming Raka, MBG shows how the state is present to address the issue of child nutrition which is one of the main challenges of human development in Indonesia. Through this program, children not only get access to adequate nutrition, but are also involved in long-term efforts to create a superior generation that is healthy, intelligent, and competitive. By involving various parties, such as the government, State-Owned Enterprises (BUMN), and the community, MBG creates a strong synergy to ensure the sustainability and success of the program.
Erick Thohir, Minister of SOEs, emphasized that MBG is one example of the success of synergy between the government and SOEs. He said that the need for adequate nutrition is the main foundation in forming a superior generation. According to him, the Prabowo-Gibran government has succeeded in maximizing the role of SOEs in supporting strategic government programs. SOEs not only contribute through financing, but also through collaboration that produces community empowerment-based programs. Erick also said that attention to the issue of child nutrition is a real manifestation of the government’s commitment to creating a better future for the nation.
In addition to support from SOEs, MBG has also received attention from the Ministry of Women’s Empowerment and Child Protection (KemenPPPA). Suhaeni, Acting Assistant Deputy for Fulfillment of Children’s Rights, KemenPPPA, said that MBG reflects the government’s commitment to protecting and fulfilling children’s rights. According to him, this program is not only about fulfilling children’s basic needs, but also empowering women as important pillars in the family. By involving Permodalan Nasional Madani (PNM), this program is able to reach people in need while providing education about the importance of balanced nutrition for children.
Arief Mulyadi, President Director of PNM, explained that education for mothers who are Mekaar customers is one of the main focuses in the implementation of MBG. PNM not only provides financial assistance, but also equips mothers with knowledge on how to serve healthy and nutritious food according to their economic capabilities. Moreover, PNM also continues to encourage strengthening the protection of women’s rights, so that they can be more empowered both within the family and in society. This effort is considered in line with the government’s grand vision to achieve the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) by 2030.
The Prabowo-Gibran government also places the issue of child nutrition as an integral part of human development. Presidential Spokesperson, Prita Laura, praised MBG as a real implementation of the government’s commitment to realizing a better future for the nation’s next generation. She considered that MBG not only reflects the government’s attention to children’s rights, but is also a concrete step in supporting children’s growth and development holistically. This program is designed to be in line with the 1989 UN Convention on the Rights of the Child, which emphasizes the importance of fulfilling children’s basic needs, including nutritious food.
The success of MBG in the first 100 days of the Prabowo-Gibran administration shows that collaboration between the government, state-owned enterprises, and the community can create significant impacts. This program not only provides direct benefits to children and families, but also strengthens the nation’s social and economic foundations. With a focus on women’s empowerment and the fulfillment of children’s rights, MBG is a real example of how government programs can have a broad and sustainable impact.
On the other hand, the sustainability of programs like MBG requires support from various parties. The government cannot work alone, and community participation is the main key to the success of this program. By raising awareness of the importance of nutrition for children, we not only help them grow up healthy, but also shape a generation that will lead Indonesia to become a more advanced and prosperous nation.
MBG can also be an inspiration for other regions to develop similar initiatives that are in accordance with local needs. With the increasing number of community-based programs that focus on nutrition and women’s empowerment, the ideal of creating a more independent, strong, and prosperous Indonesia can soon be realized. This program is proof that through collaboration and joint commitment, the Prabowo-Gibran administration is able to present concrete solutions to the nation’s challenges.
High appreciation should be given to the Prabowo-Gibran government for the MBG initiative which not only addresses the challenges of child nutrition, but also strengthens Indonesia’s socio-economic foundation. This step shows that the first 100 days of the new government have brought a positive direction in national development. With programs such as MBG, Indonesia is increasingly optimistic in creating a golden generation that will lead this country to a brighter future.
*) Public policy observer