By: Nina Stevia )*
The Indonesian government is increasingly strengthening its focus on increasing access to nutritious food for school children through the Free Nutritious Meals (MBG) program. This strategic step is an important part of efforts to overcome nutritional problems that still overshadow the growth and development of children in various regions, especially in remote and underserved areas. Through synergy between various parties, this program is expected to make a significant contribution to reducing stunting rates while improving the quality of national human resources.
The Indonesian Chamber of Commerce and Industry (Kadin) plays an active role in expanding the reach of the MBG program by targeting the construction of a thousand special kitchens or Nutrition Fulfillment Service Units (SPPG). The construction of these kitchens cannot be separated from the cooperation with French business actors who are members of the Mouvement des entreprises de France (MEDEF). This collaboration was marked by the signing of a memorandum of understanding that underlined a joint commitment to supporting the national nutrition program.
Chairman of the Indonesian Chamber of Commerce and Industry, Anindya Bakrie, emphasized that the construction of this kitchen is an important milestone that will be developed together with partners, both through corporate social responsibility schemes and business cooperation oriented towards regional empowerment.
The development of the kitchen initiated by Kadin together with PT Tempo Scan Pacific Tbk, which developed a guidebook as a basis for research and development, shows that there is a solid scientific foundation in the implementation of this program. The research and development process is an initial step that was then scaled by involving international partners.
Meanwhile, the National Nutrition Agency (BGN) is prioritizing the strategy of building public kitchens and school kitchens throughout West Kalimantan as an effort to accelerate the distribution of nutritious food. The Head of BGN, Dadan Hindayana, explained that currently West Kalimantan only has around 40 public kitchens, far from the ideal need of more than 500 units. For this reason, local governments are encouraged to be more active in accelerating the construction of kitchens, especially in remote areas that are difficult to reach.
Dadan also emphasized that school kitchens are the most effective solution to maintain food quality in areas with only one school. This is important because delivering food from a distance has the potential to reduce the quality and nutritional value of the food. With a kitchen located directly at the school, children can receive nutritious food that is fresh and suitable for consumption, so that the MBG program can run optimally.
The MBG program places great emphasis on the use of local food ingredients such as village rice, eggs, chicken, and milk. Collaboration with local farmers and ranchers is a key pillar to ensure the supply of raw materials remains sustainable and provides direct benefits to local communities. This approach not only strengthens food security but also provides a positive economic impact for local communities.
The distribution of nutritious food is not only aimed at school children, but also for pregnant women and toddlers through integrated health posts and assistance from integrated health post cadres who are given incentives. This approach shows the government’s comprehensive attention in ensuring the quality of nutrition for all vulnerable groups, not only in schools but also in families.
The government also sets a balanced nutritional composition in the food menu provided through the MBG program, namely 30% protein, 40% carbohydrates, and 30% fiber, with additional milk if possible. This standard reflects a deep understanding of children’s nutritional needs that must be met so that they can grow healthily and develop optimally.
Another innovation that supports the success of the MBG program comes from the Indonesian Chamber of Commerce and Industry, which designed a special car to strengthen the distribution of nutritious food. This car is equipped with special shelves to keep food warm and not spill during delivery. This design is the answer to previous obstacles where food often arrived in a messy condition, reducing the nutritional benefits received. Each car can transport up to a thousand food boxes in one trip, and in the initial stage, ten cars will be distributed to the five provinces covered by the Balinusamatra Regional Coordinator.
Deputy Chairman of the Balinusamatra Regional Coordinator of the Indonesian Chamber of Commerce and Industry, Amirullah Abbas, stated that the community’s response to the MBG program was very positive. People who previously could only rely on simple foods such as rice and crackers can now enjoy chicken, fish, and various other sources of protein every day. This shows a significant change in the quality of nutrition received by children and their families.
Kadin is targeting to expand the number of special cars for the distribution of nutritious food as the MBG program expands in various regions. This step strengthens the hope that the program can have a greater impact and reach more children throughout Indonesia.
The government through the synergy of various institutions, both government and private, has proven its commitment to improving the nutritional quality of school children. The construction of public kitchens and schools, strengthening distribution with special vehicles, and utilizing local food ingredients are concrete steps that complement each other to achieve common goals.
Increasing access to nutritious food through the MBG program also reflects the government’s efforts to fulfill children’s rights to adequate nutrition, as well as an important investment in human resource development. With adequate and quality access to nutrition, children have a greater opportunity to grow healthily, learn well, and reach their maximum potential.
)* The author is an independent researcher
