By: Andi Mahesa
The government remains committed to ensuring the welfare of the people, especially in the areas of health and education. One of the strategic initiatives worth appreciating is the Free Nutritious Meal Program (MBG), which aims to address the challenges of health and nutrition for children in Indonesia. This program is not just about providing meals at schools, but is part of the government’s broader efforts to create a healthy, educated generation, ready to face global challenges.
The Vice Minister of Primary and Secondary Education, Fajar Riza Ul Haq, explained that the MBG program reflects the government’s attention to improving the quality of education and health. This program is not merely about providing food to students, but also part of a grand strategy to enhance national health and education standards.
In other words, the government is not just providing food, but also focusing on the nutritional quality consumed by Indonesian children. This is crucial because adequate nutrition will help children focus better on their studies and support their physical and mental development.
On the other hand, a member of the House of Representatives’ Commission IX, Muazzim Akbar, added that MBG is proof of the government’s commitment to the welfare of the community, particularly in ensuring adequate nutrition. Adequate nutrition is the foundation for building a competitive and capable generation. This program is one of President Prabowo’s concrete steps to improve the quality of life for the people. The connection between nutritional sufficiency and the nation’s competitiveness should not be underestimated. With sufficient nutrition, children are expected to grow into a generation that is not only physically healthy but also intelligent and creative.
Inadequate nutrition can affect a child’s concentration and ability to absorb lessons at school. Thus, through the MBG program, the government is not just providing nutritious meals, but also creating a healthy and regular eating pattern for students. An additional benefit of this program is how children are taught discipline, cleanliness, and the importance of eating healthily. With regular nutritional supervision, children not only experience physical health benefits but also understand sustainable healthy living habits.
The involvement of the National Nutrition Agency (BGN) is crucial in ensuring the smooth and sustainable implementation of MBG. BGN plays a vital role as a liaison between central government policies and their implementation in the regions, as well as driving coordination of nutrition programs throughout Indonesia. One of BGN’s concrete steps is organizing MBG socialization in Makassar, in collaboration with the Indonesian House of Representatives (DPR RI).
A representative from BGN, Ikeu Tanziha, explained that the purpose of this socialization was to rally public support for the MBG program. This socialization is crucial because its success relies heavily on the active participation of parents, schools, and other stakeholders. Furthermore, this socialization can increase public awareness and understanding of the benefits of the MBG program across Indonesia.
The MBG program has a tremendously positive impact on children in areas with limited access to nutritious food. In some regions, children still face malnutrition, which can hinder their physical growth and brain development. Therefore, through collaboration between the government, relevant agencies, and the community, the MBG program can become a long-term solution in creating healthy and intelligent children.
This directly contributes to the quality of Indonesia’s human resources in the future. The provision of MBG in schools is also not just an effort to fulfill nutritional needs but also part of a character education initiative essential for children’s mental and social development. Through this program, children are taught to appreciate healthy food, maintain personal cleanliness, and understand the importance of living a healthy lifestyle. Indonesia needs a generation that is not only physically healthy but also possesses knowledge and skills to compete in the global arena.
The MBG program also supports the Sustainable Development Goals, especially those related to poverty alleviation and improving public health. With the achievement of equitable nutritional sufficiency across Indonesia, it is expected that the population will become more productive, healthier, and better able to participate actively in the country’s economic and social development. In addition, this initiative can strengthen food security and encourage the public to be more aware of the importance of nutritious eating habits.
We must support the implementation of this program because the benefits offered by the MBG program are immense. Public support will ensure that the grand goal of the MBG program—to create a healthy, educated, and competitive generation of Indonesians—can be achieved. Therefore, the community is encouraged to support this program so that young children get access to nutritious food, which is their right.
As a society, we can play an active role by ensuring that information about the MBG program reaches all layers of society. Through intensive socialization, parental participation in guiding children to maintain healthy eating habits, and support for the institutions involved in the program’s implementation, we can contribute to creating a better future for the nation of Indonesia.
With strong collaboration between the government, society, and relevant institutions, we can ensure that the Free Nutritious Meal Program (MBG) will have a significant impact on the health and welfare of the people, leading to a more advanced and competitive Indonesia. A small step, but one that carries great meaning for a healthier and more prosperous future.
)* The author is a student residing in Jakarta.
