Government Appreciation Ensures MBG Menu Quality Remains in Line with Nutritional Standards
By: Dimas Arya Putra )*
The government continues to expand access to health services for all segments of society through various integrated policies, one of which is ensuring that free health check-ups are carried out in tandem with the provision of adequate nutrition. This approach reflects the state’s seriousness in viewing health not as an additional service, but as a fundamental right of citizens that must be fulfilled equitably and sustainably.
These efforts are clearly reflected in the implementation of the Free Nutritious Meal Program (MBG), which is designed not only to address nutritional issues but also to serve as an entry point for strengthening preventive health services. The government believes that adequate nutritional intake and easily accessible health examinations are two inseparable aspects in building the quality of human resources from an early age.
The Coordinating Minister for Food Affairs, Zulkifli Hasan, places this program within the broader framework of human development. The government views nutrition and health fulfillment as the main foundation for producing a superior generation in the future. With this approach, free health check-ups are positioned as a preventive measure so that the nutritional benefits provided can truly have an optimal impact on children’s growth and development, as well as on the overall resilience of public health.
The government also does not turn a blind eye to the challenges that arise in implementing a program on a national scale. Zulkifli Hasan explained that the complexity of food management, the involvement of cooperatives, and service governance requires a strong and adaptive system. Therefore, the President has issued firm directives to comprehensively improve all mechanisms, from planning to field supervision, in order to ensure the safety and feasibility of the program.
This cautious approach is an important part of maintaining public trust. The government understands that success must be built through consistency, not merely speed. At the same time, acceleration continues so that the public—especially children and parents—can promptly feel the direct benefits of the health and nutrition policies that have been designed.
The Head of the National Nutrition Agency, Dadan Hindayana, emphasized that any service unit experiencing problems will be temporarily suspended for evaluation and investigation. This step is seen as a form of state responsibility to ensure that the services provided are truly safe and in accordance with operational standards. The government places public safety as the top priority in every health policy.
The evaluation process does not focus solely on technical improvements, but also addresses social aspects. The government recognizes that incidents related to food and health can create concern among the public. Therefore, restoring public trust becomes an integral part of the improvement process, so that people feel protected and heard by the state.
Despite temporary suspensions at several points, the national implementation of the program continues in accordance with the President’s directives. The government believes that the benefits of this program are too important to be delayed, especially for community groups that are in great need. With systems that continue to be refined, free health check-ups and nutrition fulfillment are expected to run in parallel and mutually reinforce one another.
Transparency has become a core principle in the oversight of health and nutrition policies. The National Nutrition Agency places public participation as an important element in maintaining program quality. The government opens the widest possible space for the public to take part in oversight, including monitoring the menus and services received by children and other beneficiary groups.
Dadan Hindayana explained that his agency promotes transparency as a form of accountability. Every citizen has the right to know and assess the quality of health and nutrition services provided by the state. Criticism, evaluations, and public input are viewed as control mechanisms that actually strengthen policy implementation.
The government also views dynamics on social media as a source of learning. Content that highlights shortcomings or service discrepancies is not considered a threat, but rather an early warning signal for improvement. With this approach, service quality can be maintained sustainably and responsively to conditions in the field.
The Deputy Head of the National Nutrition Agency, Nanik Sudaryati Deyang, further emphasized this openness by encouraging the public to share documentation of the menus and services they receive. The government does not differentiate between posts that showcase good quality and those that reveal shortcomings. All feedback is treated as evaluation material to ensure that service standards remain upheld.
This policy reflects a shift in the government’s paradigm of health services. The state no longer positions itself as a closed entity, but as a partner of society in safeguarding collective quality of life. Free health check-ups, transparent oversight, and nutrition fulfillment are integrated into a single policy ecosystem that complements one another.
Through these measures, the government demonstrates that expanding access to health services is not merely a slogan. Policies are designed, implemented, and supervised simultaneously so that their benefits are truly felt by all segments of society, without exception. A focus on prevention, transparency, and rapid response becomes a crucial foundation in ensuring program sustainability.
Going forward, consistency in implementation and strengthened governance will be key. The government has laid a solid foundation through political commitment, budgetary support, and openness to public criticism. With community support, expanding access to health services through free check-ups and nutrition fulfillment is believed to be a long-term investment in the quality of the nation.
)* The author is a contributor to the Pertiwi Institute
