Free Nutritious Meals Become Solution to Overcome Nutrition Problems of Indonesian Children
By: Noura Kesuma Putri (*
One of the major challenges that Indonesia still faces today is the high rate of stunting and chronic nutritional problems that have a direct impact on the quality of future generations. Although various efforts have been made over the years, data from the Basic Health Research (Riskesdas) and the Indonesian Nutritional Status Survey (SSGI) show that the prevalence of stunting in several regions is still above the threshold set by the World Health Organization (WHO). In this context, the government’s steps through the Free Nutritious Meals (MBG) program are a strategic breakthrough that deserves full appreciation and support.
The MBG program is not merely an agenda for providing free food. This is a revolutionary step that places nutritional intervention as the foundation for building superior human resources. Member of Commission IX of the Indonesian House of Representatives, Heru Tjahjono, firmly stated that MBG is a major investment for the nation. According to him, nutrition provided regularly to early childhood is the main key to preventing stunting, which if ignored will have a negative impact on the child’s physical and intellectual development. Heru added that this program is very strategic in reducing stunting rates which are still quite high in several regions, while also providing long-term impacts in the form of improving the quality of human resources.
Various international studies show that poor nutrition in childhood is strongly correlated with low academic achievement, low productivity in adulthood, and increased risk of non-communicable diseases. Therefore, MBG is a form of state support for the future of Indonesian children, especially those from underprivileged families.
More than just a nutritional intervention, this program also touches on the educational and community empowerment side. Head of the Karya Pelajar Mengabdi Bangsa Indonesia Community Division (KOMIB Indonesia), Grace Aurellia Salim, stated that through the Nourish to Flourish Program or a movement in line with the spirit of MBG, food donations and education have been made about the importance of good nutrition for children. According to her, by educating the public about healthy eating habits, we can help reduce the risk of stunting and pave the way for a healthier future for Indonesia.
The importance of this education cannot be underestimated. There are still many families in remote areas of the country who do not understand that the quality of food is not only determined by satiety, but by its nutritional content. By involving communities, schools, and health workers, MBG can be a catalyst for changes in lifestyle and eating patterns of people from the grassroots.
One of the added values of this program is the cross-sector collaboration. The government is collaborating with local food providers to ensure the availability of healthy menus in elementary and secondary schools. The menus are designed according to nutritional standards set by the Ministry of Health, so they are not only delicious but also nutritious.
Director of the Directorate of Community Empowerment and Participation of the National Nutrition Agency (BGN), Tengku Syahdana, highlighted the spirit of patriotism that underlies the birth of this program. According to him, as a former general, President Prabowo understands the importance of self-defense. It starts with a healthy body, with sufficient and balanced nutrition. Strong body, smart brain, that is the goal of this program. The statement emphasized that the issue of nutrition is not just a matter of health, but concerns national resilience and the future of the nation as a whole.
The involvement of local business actors in providing food also creates a multiplier effect on the regional economy. Farmers, livestock breeders, and food MSME actors gain wider market access, while also becoming part of the solution to national nutrition problems. This reflects the vision of inclusive development: overcoming stunting while strengthening food security and empowering the local economy.
Of course, the implementation of the MBG program is not without challenges. Starting from the readiness of food distribution infrastructure, supervision of nutritional quality, to community involvement in program management. However, with strong political commitment and cross-institutional synergy, these challenges are not a reason to delay. In fact, these challenges are a momentum to strengthen the governance of evidence-based nutrition interventions.
The next step is to expand the program coverage gradually and sustainably, by ensuring that every intervention is data-based and closely monitored. Regular evaluation and involvement of academics in program monitoring will ensure that MBG runs according to its original purpose: improving the quality of Indonesian children from an early age.
Now is the time for all elements of the nation, from the government, civil society, the private sector, and the media, to unite in supporting the Free Nutritious Meal Program. This program is not just a populist policy, but a concrete and long-term solution to address the problem of child nutrition in Indonesia. By ensuring that our children grow up healthy, strong, and intelligent, we are planting the seeds of a superior and globally competitive future for the nation.
(* The author is a Public Policy Observer
