By: Silvia AP)
Building a superior human resource base is the key to advancing a nation. One of the emerging solutions in recent times is the Free Nutritious Meal (MBG) program, which provides free access to nutritious food for targeted community groups, particularly school-aged children. This initiative not only reflects a concern for fulfilling basic needs but also serves as a golden strategy to create a healthy, intelligent, and productive generation.
Nutrition plays a fundamental role in the physical and cognitive development of children. Malnourished children tend to face learning difficulties, stunted growth, and higher vulnerability to illnesses. If left unaddressed from an early age, this issue will have long-term impacts on the quality of future human resources. Therefore, interventions such as the provision of nutritious meals—with guaranteed quality and sustainability—are crucial. The MBG program is a concrete answer to this challenge, especially for children from low-income families who struggle to meet their daily nutritional needs.
The importance of the MBG program is also evident in the direct link between nutritional intake and productivity. In the workforce, individuals who are physically and mentally healthy can absorb knowledge more effectively, work efficiently, and contribute optimally across sectors. Thus, investing in children’s nutrition is not just a health concern—it is a long-term economic development strategy. Today’s beneficiaries of the MBG program will become tomorrow’s strong and productive workforce, serving as the backbone of national development.
Member of the House of Representatives (DPR RI), Mariana, has collaborated with the National Nutrition Agency (BGN) to address nutritional issues in Banjarbaru, focusing especially on children and pregnant women. On April 11, 2025, she led a public outreach event on the MBG program at the Bina Satria Hall of the Banjarbaru City Council (DPRD), attended by around 300 local residents.
This initiative is part of BGN’s phased approach, starting with the provision of free nutritious meals to those in need. During the event, Mariana emphasized that the MBG program is a tangible manifestation of President Prabowo Subianto’s commitment to developing a superior and competitive Indonesian society.
It is hoped that such outreach efforts will increase public awareness and understanding of the nutritional needs of the body. Mariana also stressed that the success of this program relies heavily on the active participation of all societal elements. The goal is to make a real contribution to shaping a future generation that is healthy, strong, and smart.
Wahyudi Indrayana, Senior Advisor at the National Nutrition Agency, echoed the importance of collective involvement in the success of the national nutrition initiative. He emphasized that this is not merely a short-term intervention but a strategic step toward building a solid foundation for Golden Indonesia 2045.
Maulidah, Head of Public Health at the Banjarbaru Health Department, also highlighted the need for active engagement from all societal levels in realizing the goals of the MBG program. She reiterated that its main objective is to cultivate a healthy, intelligent, and productive generation as the foundation for Golden Indonesia 2045.
Moreover, the MBG program also has the potential to stimulate local economic growth. By sourcing ingredients locally, the program can involve farmers, livestock breeders, and MSMEs. If designed comprehensively, it can create a reinforcing ecosystem that connects education, health, and economic sectors. Schools can collaborate with local cooperatives or suppliers to provide meals, thereby sustaining the regional economy. Thus, MBG not only benefits students’ health but also boosts local livelihoods.
Additionally, the MBG initiative can become a tool for character development and nutritional education among students. Regular access to nutritious meals can instill an understanding of healthy eating habits. This early awareness can reduce the prevalence of non-communicable diseases caused by poor lifestyle and dietary choices. Cultivating a healthy eating culture from a young age will significantly shape future public health patterns in Indonesia.
Deputy Minister of Communications and Digital Affairs (Wamenkomdigi), Nezar Patria, stated that Indonesia must develop top-quality human resources to become a global technology player. One of the key efforts is ensuring adequate nutrition to foster a brighter, smarter future generation.
Beyond technical aspects, the success of MBG also heavily relies on social support. Public awareness of the importance of nutrition must be continuously improved through educational and participatory campaigns. Parents, community leaders, and the media all play critical roles in fostering an environment that supports this initiative. When all societal elements understand the significance of nutrition for children’s futures, the MBG program will no longer be seen solely as a government responsibility, but as a collective movement embraced by the whole nation.
The author is a member of the editorial team at LPM Ideas (Student Press Institute)
