By: Abdul Razak )*
The government continues to strengthen its commitment to addressing the issue of stunting through various strategic policies focused on improving children’s nutrition. One of the main programs that has now become a national priority is the Free Nutritious Meals Program (MBG), designed to ensure that Indonesian children receive adequate nutritional intake to support optimal growth and development. The program is also regarded as an important step in building high-quality human resources toward the vision of Golden Indonesia 2045.
The implementation of the MBG program does not only focus on providing nutritious food but also ensures the quality and safety of the meals served to children. This commitment is reflected in the organization of technical training for food handlers involved in the MBG program in various regions.
Eight Coordination Offices for the Nutrition Fulfillment Program (KPPG) simultaneously held technical training sessions from March 7 to 8, 2026. The activities were attended by hundreds of participants from various components managing the Nutrition Fulfillment Service Units (SPPG), including kitchen heads, management partners, nutrition supervisors, and cooks. The training aims to improve the skills of food handlers while accelerating the issuance of Hygiene and Sanitation Eligibility Certificates (SLHS).
The implementation of this technical training represents a strategic step to enhance the quality of national nutrition services. Nutritious food is a fundamental right of every Indonesian child, and therefore the quality of food preparation within the MBG program must remain a priority. Improving the skills of food handlers is essential because they play a direct role in ensuring that meals meet proper health and hygiene standards. The training also serves as one of the requirements for obtaining the Hygiene and Sanitation Eligibility Certificate, which guarantees that food production kitchens meet the required sanitation standards.
The progress of the MBG program itself has shown significant achievements. Data from the National Nutrition Agency indicates that there are now more than 25,000 Nutrition Fulfillment Service Units spread across various regions in Indonesia. Most of these service units were initiated by community partners or foundations that actively participate in supporting the national nutrition fulfillment program.
In its implementation, the National Nutrition Agency also conducts strict supervision of kitchens involved in the MBG program. As of early March 2026, more than 25,000 SPPG units have been inspected. From these inspections, several units were found not to meet the required standards and were therefore given warnings or even temporary operational suspensions. These monitoring efforts form part of the government’s commitment to ensuring that the MBG program operates with high quality. Evaluations are conducted comprehensively, covering kitchen conditions, air circulation, room temperature, and waste management systems.
In addition to improving the quality of food services, the government is also encouraging active community participation in stunting prevention efforts. Preventing stunting is a shared responsibility because it is closely related to the future of the nation’s younger generation. The government has launched the vision of Golden Indonesia 2045, which requires preparing a healthy and capable generation starting today. The Free Nutritious Meals Program is therefore considered an important step in preparing a healthier and more intelligent generation. Although the program is still being continuously refined, public support remains crucial to ensure its optimal implementation. Increasing public awareness of stunting is also essential to prevent growth disorders among children.
In a book discussion event titled Stunting and Child Development held in the Gunungkidul region, it was hoped that the activity would broaden public understanding of the importance of nutritional fulfillment and ways to prevent stunting in daily life. Literacy activities such as book discussions are not only intended to increase reading interest but also to encourage the public to apply the knowledge they gain. Stunting remains one of the key concerns for local governments, highlighting the need to strengthen public awareness regarding healthy diets and adequate nutrition for children.
Meanwhile, efforts to address malnutrition are also continuing in eastern Indonesia. The South Papua Provincial Government is encouraging improvements in nutrition services for the community, particularly for toddlers suffering from malnutrition. Assistant I of the South Papua Regional Secretariat for Government and Social Welfare, Agustinus Joko Guritno, stated that the issue of malnutrition is closely related to stunting, which remains a national concern. Therefore, strengthening the capacity of healthcare workers and increasing public education are important steps in tackling the issue.
In fact, communities already possess many local food resources such as fish, vegetables, sago, and fruits that can be utilized to improve family nutrition. However, the utilization of these resources still needs to be enhanced through education and community assistance.
Healthcare workers are expected to continue providing counseling on healthy eating habits and the importance of proper nutrition for toddlers. Continuous education is believed to help communities better understand the importance of balanced nutrition in supporting children’s growth and development. Through these various efforts, the government demonstrates its determination to reduce stunting rates while improving the quality of future generations. The MBG program, the strengthening of healthcare capacity, and public education together form an integrated strategy to ensure that Indonesian children grow up healthy, intelligent, and ready to welcome Golden Indonesia 2045.
*) The author is a Policy Analyst.
