By: Andi Mahesa
Improving the quality of human resources (HR) has become one of the primary goals for the Indonesian government in long-term development. One of the ways to achieve this is by improving the nutritional status of the population, especially for children and pregnant women, who are considered vulnerable groups. In this effort, the Free Nutritional Meal Program (MBG) has become one of the strategic policies that should be supported, given its positive impact on the nation’s future generation.
The MBG program aims to ensure that every child in Indonesia, particularly those from underprivileged families, receives nutritious food to support their growth and development. According to a recent study by the World Bank in 2024, providing regular nutritious meals has been shown to improve school attendance and participation among children. Furthermore, this program also plays a significant role in reducing malnutrition, which can lead to stunting. In developed countries, providing nutritious meals to schoolchildren has also proven to regulate eating habits, which, in turn, helps reduce the risks of obesity and diabetes at a young age.
Indonesia faces significant challenges concerning the nutritional status of its population, with a high prevalence of stunting and malnutrition. However, the government, through the National Nutrition Agency (BGN), has implemented concrete steps to improve this situation, with four primary target groups in national nutritional fulfillment. These groups are children in early childhood, children in primary and secondary education, toddlers, and pregnant and breastfeeding women.
For children in their growth phase, particularly those in primary and secondary schools, providing nutritious meals is essential to support their learning process and cognitive development. Additionally, toddlers, who are vulnerable to nutritional issues, are also a priority in this program. Nutritional deficiencies at this stage can lead to long-term effects that are irreversible, as the toddler years represent the golden period for a child’s growth and development.
Furthermore, pregnant and breastfeeding women are also receiving serious attention in the MBG program. Adequate nutrition during pregnancy is not only crucial for the mother’s health but also for preventing pregnancy complications, premature births, and stunting in babies. Similarly, breastfeeding mothers need adequate nutrition to produce high-quality breast milk (ASI) for the optimal growth and development of their babies.
The Acting Director of the Human Development and Humanitarian Budget at the Directorate General of Budget, Diah Dwi Utami, stated that the government has a system to monitor the nutritional status of target groups regularly. This monitoring ensures that the MBG program targets the right recipients and is implemented as expected. Systematic monitoring will identify groups that require additional assistance and reduce the potential for misuse of the program.
The importance of accurate targeting in the provision of nutritious meals was also highlighted by the Director of Public Policy at the Center for Economic and Law Studies (CELIOS), Media Wahyudi Askar, who explained that the government is running the MBG program with a target-oriented scheme, focusing on children from low-income families, particularly those living in remote areas with incomes below IDR 2 million per month.
In addition, toddlers, pregnant women, and breastfeeding mothers, who require additional nutrition, are the primary targets of the program to avoid potential mistargeting that could harm the program’s effectiveness. The clear and measurable target-based scheme is expected to ensure that aid reaches those who genuinely need it.
Moreover, support and oversight from relevant parties at the regional level are also crucial. Deputy Chairman of the Banjar Regency DPRD, Kalimantan, Irwan Bora, stated that his office is committed to overseeing the MBG program, ensuring its smooth and accurate implementation. Strict supervision and direct field monitoring are part of the collective responsibility to ensure the program achieves its goals.
The MBG program is not just a meal aid; it is an investment in the future. By ensuring that children and pregnant women receive adequate nutrition, we are building a healthy and intelligent generation, which, in turn, will improve the quality of human resources in Indonesia. This program is a concrete step by the government to address nutritional problems, which remain a significant barrier to the nation’s development. Therefore, it is time for society to fully support this government policy.
Support from all parties, from the central government, local governments, and the public, will significantly impact the success of the MBG program’s implementation. All elements of society must ensure that children receive their right to grow up healthy and intelligent. A healthy nation will build a brilliant future.
)* The author is a student residing in Jakarta.
