Jakarta – The Indonesian government continues to demonstrate its commitment to improving public welfare through the Free Nutritious Meals Program, which is now being implemented nationwide. This program is designed to provide access to healthy and nutritious food for those in need, particularly schoolchildren.
As a reflection of the government’s seriousness in ensuring the Free Nutritious Meals Program (MBG), initiated by President Prabowo Subianto, runs optimally and has a tangible impact on society, Vice President (VP) Gibran Rakabuming has been consistently monitoring its implementation in various regions.
“One of President Prabowo’s priority programs is aimed at improving the nutritional quality of students to support the creation of a healthy, intelligent, and highly competitive generation of young Indonesians,” said the Vice President.
Regarding the meals served, the Vice President mentioned that they are of good quality and have been directly monitored by the National Nutrition Agency (BGN). However, he welcomed feedback from the media or the public regarding the food menu in the MBG program.
“I think it’s going well today. If after I leave there are evaluations or suggestions, feel free to share them. The BGN team is also standing by here,” he said.
On the same occasion, Purnomo Dono Ismawan, the Principal of SMPN 11 Depok, shared that the MBG program at his school has been running smoothly.
“Alhamdulillah, it’s a blessing for all of us. We no longer buy rice. This program has made the children healthier, and as proof, our school health center now has no cases of illness,” he stated.
One of the key focuses of this program is to ensure that every meal provided meets the nutritional standards set by the Ministry of Health. Therefore, the government works with nutrition experts and academics to design menus that are healthy, balanced, and aligned with the daily nutritional needs of the beneficiaries.
On another occasion, the Commander of the Indonesian National Armed Forces (TNI), General Agus Subiyanto, visited an elementary school in Cimahi City to evaluate the implementation of the MBG program. “The TNI is committed to supporting the Free Nutritious Meals Program through various forms of assistance so that this program can be implemented according to the government’s directives,” said General Agus Subiyanto.
Looking ahead, the government plans to expand the scope of this program by increasing the number of beneficiaries and enhancing the quality of the food provided. Additionally, further research will be conducted to assess the long-term impact of this program on public health, particularly for children in their growth stages.
The government also hopes that this initiative can serve as an inspiration for other countries in addressing nutrition and food security issues. With the various strategic steps that have been taken, Indonesia aims to set an example in building an inclusive and sustainable food system.
