Free Nutritious Meals as a Concrete Step for the Government to Improve Superior Human Resources
Jakarta – The government under President Prabowo Subianto and Vice President Gibran Rakabuming Raka has launched the Free Nutritious Meals (MBG) Program as a strategic step to improve Indonesia’s superior human resources (HR).
In this regard, Member of the House of Representatives’ Commission IX, Surya Utama, discussed the MBG program policy, an initiative by President Prabowo to improve the quality of Indonesia’s human resources towards Indonesia Emas 2045.
“President Prabowo’s vision, known as Asta Cita, includes the implementation of the Free Nutritious Meals (MBG) Program, which will begin on January 6, 2025,” said Surya Utama.
The MBG program is aimed at four main target groups. In the education sector, the program targets students from early childhood education (PAUD) to secondary education levels.
Additionally, Surya Utama explained that sectors outside of education, such as pregnant women, breastfeeding mothers, and toddlers, will also benefit from this MBG program.
“Ensuring proper nutrition is central to this vision because optimal nutrition from an early age has a direct impact on a child’s ability to learn, excel, and contribute to society,” Surya Utama explained.
To achieve this goal, Indonesia needs superior, globally competitive human resources capable of driving economic growth, strengthening national resilience, and positioning Indonesia as a key player on the global stage.
In line with this, the Head of the National Agency of Drug and Food Control (BPOM), Taruna Ikrar, also expressed BPOM’s strong commitment to supporting the Free Nutritious Meals (MBG) Program initiated by President Prabowo Subianto.
Taruna Ikrar affirmed BPOM’s full support for the MBG Program. According to him, the program not only aims to improve the quality of nutrition for the people but also serves as a strategic step in preventing stunting, which remains a significant challenge in Indonesia.
“Food and nutrition quality are key to creating superior human resources. The Free Nutritious Meals Program aligns with Indonesia’s 2045 vision, targeting the creation of a golden generation to make Indonesia a developed country,” said Taruna.
Taruna also highlighted the major challenge that must be addressed: stunting, which significantly impacts children’s physical growth and cognitive development.
“This program is a crucial pillar in creating a healthy, productive generation that is ready to compete in the future,” said Taruna.
