By: Qolbi Nur Muhammad (*)
The Free Nutritious Meal Program (MBG) initiated by the government is one of the key policies aimed at improving the nutritional quality of Indonesian children. This program not only aims to reduce stunting and malnutrition but also strengthens national food security by involving various parties, including local SMEs (Small and Medium Enterprises). However, its implementation requires continuous evaluation to ensure that it is truly targeted, effective, and beneficial to the wider community.
The Chairman of Commission II of the Indonesian House of Representatives, Rifqinizamy Karsayuda, emphasized that the MBG Program must pay close attention to the correct nutritional composition so that its main goals are achieved. According to him, the MBG program should not miss its target or fail to meet its objective, which is to provide nutritious meals, so the composition must be accurate. Therefore, the involvement of nutrition experts in menu planning is essential. The balance between carbohydrates, proteins, vitamins, and minerals must be considered to ensure that children receive the proper nutrition for their growth and development.
Additionally, it is crucial to ensure that the program’s beneficiaries are indeed those who need it most. The data used in the distribution must be accurate so that the program does not become a formality but has a real impact in addressing nutritional issues among children, especially in regions with high food insecurity.
One challenge in implementing the MBG Program is ensuring that this policy does not negatively impact the local economy, particularly small businesses around schools. Rifqinizamy Karsayuda emphasized the importance of synergy between the government and SMEs so that this program does not inadvertently harm local businesses.
In practice, involving local SMEs in providing nutritious meals for schoolchildren will provide double benefits. Besides boosting the local economy, SME involvement ensures that the food supplied is fresh and of high quality. The government can establish effective cooperation systems with local entrepreneurs to support the program’s sustainability.
Food safety is a crucial aspect of the MBG Program’s implementation. Ema Setyawati, Director of Community Empowerment and Processed Food Entrepreneurs at BPOM (National Agency of Drug and Food Control), stated that her agency will conduct tight supervision of the food production that will be distributed. They will regularly monitor food safety at the production facilities and test the food products that will be distributed to the program’s beneficiaries.
This step is very important to ensure that the food consumed by schoolchildren is not only nutritious but also safe from health risks, including the possibility of harmful substances or food poisoning cases. The government must ensure that every stage of production and distribution meets the health standards set.
Besides ensuring targeted beneficiaries and food safety, the budget aspect is also a main concern in evaluating the MBG Program. Agun Gunandjar Sudarsa, Vice Chairman of the People’s Aspirations Council of the Indonesian House of Representatives, emphasized the need for strict supervision of the budget to ensure it aligns with the allocation provided by the government.
Transparency in budget use will build public trust that the funds allocated are genuinely used for the benefit of Indonesian children. The government must ensure that reporting systems are open and accountable to prevent any misuse of funds that could harm the program.
The government also continues to optimize the MBG program to be more targeted in improving public welfare. This program aims to ensure that children, pregnant women, and other vulnerable groups receive adequate nutrition to prevent stunting and enhance the quality of human resources in Indonesia.
To ensure the program’s effectiveness, the government strengthens the data collection and distribution systems so that the assistance is truly received by those who are entitled. Collaboration with local governments, schools, and various related institutions is key to the success of MBG in reaching a wide community.
With ongoing optimization, the MBG program is expected to have a long-term impact in creating a healthy and productive generation. The success of this program depends not only on the government but also on the support of all segments of society to ensure its maximum benefits.
The success of the MBG Program does not solely depend on the government, but also requires full support from the community. Raising awareness about the importance of nutrition for children must continue to be enhanced so that this program receives active participation from various parties, including parents, teachers, and local businesses. In addition, public involvement in supervising and providing feedback is necessary for this program to continue evolving and becoming more targeted.
With proper evaluation, synergy among stakeholders, and transparency in budget management, the MBG Program can become one of the long-term solutions to improving the quality of Indonesia’s future generation. Let’s fully support this policy to ensure that Indonesian children receive their right to grow up healthy, smart, and competitive!
)* The author is a researcher from the People’s Aspirations Forum in West Java.
