By: Vrenda Situmorang *)
The Free Nutritious Meal Program (MBG) is an important milestone in realizing a healthier and smarter future for Indonesian children. Under the leadership of President Prabowo Subianto and Vice President Gibran Rakabuming Raka, the government has shown extraordinary seriousness in building the foundation of human resources from an early age. MBG is not only a solution to nutritional problems among students, but also a real form of the state’s concern for the nation’s next generation. The government’s commitment is clearly seen from the involvement of various agencies and a comprehensive approach so that this program runs not only widely, but also safely and with quality.
The achievements of the MBG program until April 2025 are worthy of appreciation. The Head of the National Nutrition Agency (BGN), Dadan Hindayana, explained that the target of 3 million beneficiaries was successfully achieved and even exceeded that figure to 3.3 million students. This figure is an early indicator of the success of the implementation of MBG nationally. Not only that, BGN is targeting a significant increase in the number of beneficiaries to 6 million students by August 2025. This ambitious target reflects the belief and hard work of all stakeholders, especially BGN and its staff in the field.
However, it is undeniable that in its implementation, a program of this size is faced with a number of challenges. Several incidents of food poisoning have occurred in various regions such as Southeast Sulawesi, West Java, East Nusa Tenggara, and Central Java. These incidents are an important alarm for program organizers to strengthen the monitoring and quality control system. The government, in this case BGN, does not turn a blind eye to this problem. In fact, BGN makes it a turning point to improve and strengthen the resilience of the food distribution system.
After a meeting with President Prabowo in Hambalang, the Head of BGN emphasized that the future target is not only to expand coverage, but also to ensure that there are no more cases of poisoning. BGN is now working with higher enthusiasm, with a more careful and thorough approach. BGN’s main orientation is not merely chasing numbers, but ensuring that every food that reaches students is fit for consumption and meets strict food safety standards.
The President himself gave very clear direction: MBG is a strategic investment in the development of Indonesian people. Therefore, all elements involved, especially the Indonesian Development Driving Scholars (SPPI) who are the spearheads in the field, are encouraged to continue to improve their professionalism. The government realizes that a program on a massive scale like this cannot be done half-heartedly. Every small mistake can have a big impact. Therefore, the spirit to improve accuracy, caution, and system resilience is an integral part of the national strategy.
The President’s full support for the team in the field also shows that the state is present in a concrete way in basic matters such as fulfilling children’s nutrition. In the context of public policy, this reflects the government’s bias towards the group that needs the most attention: the younger generation. With fulfilled nutrition and safe food to consume, Indonesian students can learn more optimally, grow healthier, and ultimately become superior human resources who are able to compete at the global level.
The corrective steps taken by the government after various incidents also prove the existence of an adaptive and responsive system. BGN, through close coordination with other institutions and local authorities, moves quickly to address and prevent similar incidents from happening again. Firmness in taking action against negligent parties, increasing the capacity of food providers, and strict guidance for the entire distribution chain are proof that the government is not letting the risk drag on.
All these efforts show that MBG is not just a charity program, but part of the Prabowo-Gibran government’s grand strategy in building the foundations of civilization. Adequate nutrition and safe food are the basic rights of Indonesian children, and the state is here to fulfill them systematically. Through the MBG program, the government has strengthened its position as the main protector and supporter of the future of the nation’s children. There is no other choice but to fully support this program so that it continues to develop, get better, and get stronger over time.
MBG’s success in reaching millions of Indonesian children is not solely the result of the work of one institution, but rather cross-sector collaboration driven by a spirit of service and responsibility. From the central government to field officers, from food providers to quality control personnel, all work in one line with one noble goal: to ensure that Indonesian children grow up in a healthy, safe, and nutritious environment.
With increasingly certain steps, the government continues to oversee this program asai is part of a long-term effort to create superior Indonesian people. This spirit must be maintained, and every support from the community becomes additional energy for the sustainability of MBG. There is nothing more valuable than seeing Indonesian children smiling healthily in classrooms, growing with hope, and ready to face a bright future.
*) Literacy Activists/Indonesian Health Nurse Group
