Free Nutritious Meal Program is a Strategic Step by the Government to Create Superior Human Resources
Jakarta – Prof. Chandra Yoga Aditama, Professor of the Faculty of Medicine, University of Indonesia and Director of the Postgraduate Program at Yarsi University, Jakarta, emphasized the importance of developing human resources (HR) as the main capital of a nation.
“Building a nation starts from building its people, and HR development is the main priority listed in the astacita,” he said.
HR development, according to Prof. Chandra, depends on two main factors: health and education.
“Good health and education open up opportunities for HR to develop in various aspects of life, both personal, family, and national,” he explained.
The Free Nutritious Meal Program (MBG) which has been running in various schools, especially in remote areas, has received positive appreciation from parents. Prof. Chandra emphasized, “Nutritious food is very important for health and the education process. This program must be prioritized in areas that are in great need, such as remote areas.”
WHO carries the concept from farm to plate which ensures the quality of food given to children is maintained, starting from the selection of raw materials to the delivery process. Prof. Chandra also mentioned that waste management is also an important concern in the implementation of this program.
MBG is not just a short-term program, but an investment for the future.
“If done correctly and consistently, this program will have a long-term impact in strengthening our human resources,” he said.
However, to ensure the success of the program, a comprehensive monitoring system is needed. Prof. Chandra suggested three important strategies in evaluating this program: supervision from upstream to downstream, even implementation, and the participation of all parties, not just the government. “All parties must be involved in creating better human resources for the future of the nation,” he said.
The Free Nutritious Meal Program (MBG) deserves to be appreciated as a concrete step by the government in supporting the health and education of Indonesian children, which is expected to strengthen human resources and create a golden generation for the future of the nation.
