By: Feronika Jasin*
Amidst the increasingly challenging economic conditions, access to nutritious food has become a major issue for society. Adequate nutrition significantly affects the health and productivity of individuals. However, not all segments of society are able to access nutritious food due to various obstacles, such as rising prices and economic difficulties.
Several regions in Indonesia have begun implementing free nutritious meal programs as a tangible effort to assist the public, especially those in lower economic brackets. This program is designed to provide easier access to healthy and nutritious food, aiming to improve the quality of life and reduce the still-high malnutrition rates in certain areas.
Member of Commission IX of the Indonesian Parliament, Muazzim Akbar, stated that the free nutritious meal program is part of the government’s effort to improve the nutritional quality of society and should receive more attention, especially in the context of the long-term goals to create a healthy, superior, and productive generation. Fundamentally, good nutritional quality is one of the main pillars to forming a society that is not only physically healthy but also highly competitive.
This free nutritious meal program, initiated by President Prabowo, is a concrete step to address one of Indonesia’s major problems: malnutrition and poor nutrition. This issue not only impacts health but also has far-reaching implications on education quality, productivity, and, ultimately, the nation’s competitiveness. Children who grow up in undernourished conditions, for example, have a smaller potential for optimal development, both physically and cognitively. Therefore, ensuring that every segment of society, particularly the underprivileged, has access to nutritious food is of utmost importance.
Providing free nutritious meals is not merely about social assistance but also focuses on the quality of the food provided. The meals are carefully composed to meet the correct nutritional composition, ensuring that they fulfill the body’s needs for growth, development, and immune support. Through this program, it is expected that the public, especially children and the elderly, will significantly benefit in maintaining their health.
Makassar’s Police Chief, Kombes Pol Arya Perdana, set a concrete example by directly leading the distribution of 592 nutritious lunch packages at two elementary schools in Makassar. This illustrates how the police, traditionally tasked with maintaining security, also contribute to fostering community welfare. Moreover, distributing nutritious meals to school children aligns with a central government program that positively impacts the health and future of the next generation.
Kombes Pol Arya Perdana stated that this activity was a form of support for the welfare program initiated by the President and Vice President. In the context of nation-building, the welfare of children cannot be neglected. Children are the country’s greatest asset, and fulfilling their nutritional needs from an early age will influence the quality of human resources that will grow and develop in the future. By providing nutritious food directly to children, the program not only helps them stay healthy and strong but also opens up greater access to learning and full development opportunities.
The nutritious meals provided typically contain various essential nutrients, such as protein, carbohydrates, healthy fats, as well as vitamins and minerals. This is crucial given the many health problems arising from an imbalanced diet, such as stunting in children, obesity, and non-communicable diseases. By providing healthy food for free, this program also helps reduce the incidence of health issues related to poor and unbalanced nutrition.
Aceh Barat Police Chief AKBP Andi Kirana emphasized the police’s commitment to supporting education and child welfare in the region. As guardians of security, the police should also play a role in contributing to the social welfare of society, especially the future generation, which is children. The Aceh Barat Police’s commitment aligns with the government’s goal, which not only focuses on infrastructure development but also prioritizes public welfare, especially in health and education.
Executive Director of Trias Politika, Agung Baskoro, highlighted the implementation of the Free Nutritious Meals program by the Prabowo Subianto administration. According to Agung, the program deserves appreciation as it is the only policy that advocates for the basic rights and future of Indonesia’s children, distinct from previous administrations. Agung hopes that the implementation of the Free Nutritious Meals program can remain consistent and error-free.
The government and various related institutions play a vital role in the success of this program. Collaboration between the government, society, and the private sector is needed to ensure that the distribution of nutritious meals reaches the right targets without obstruction. The sustainability of this program also depends on strict monitoring and periodic evaluation to ensure that the food provided always meets the established nutritional standards.
)* The author is an Economic Observer at PT Agrasia
