Jakarta – The Free Nutritious Meals (MBG) program is being intensified again through public outreach. The National Nutrition Agency (BGN) emphasized that this program is a strategic step to ensure access to balanced nutrition, especially for Indonesia’s younger generation.
The Chairperson of Commission IX of the Indonesian House of Representatives, Felly Estelita Runtuwene, said that MBG is one of the government’s flagship programs in preparing the golden generation of 2045.
He emphasized the importance of this program to support the growth and development of the nation’s children.
“This program is for our children from preschool to high school. Besides ensuring they receive good nutrition, MBG also positively impacts the local economy by involving markets, transportation, and kitchen workers,” said Felly.
Felly also emphasized that MBG is not just about free meals, but rather part of the nation’s future development.
He invited the public, especially parents, to be patient and wait for this program to arrive in schools.
Similarly, the Director of the Nutrition Promotion & Education Directorate of BGN, Gunalan, assessed that MBG was born as an answer to nutritional problems in many households.
According to him, there are still many children who go to school without a nutritious breakfast.
“Many children go to school without a nutritious breakfast. This program ensures they get sufficient nutritional and protein intake to support optimal growth and development,” explained Gunalan.
He added that the success of MBG requires the support of all parties.
“This program will only be successful if there is synergy between the central government, local governments, and the community,” he stressed.
Furthermore, MBG is seen as a major investment for the future of the nation.
This program not only focuses on fulfilling children’s nutritional needs, but also strengthens the people’s economy through community involvement in MBG kitchens.
Rahma Dewi Auliyasari, an expert from the Directorate of Nutrition Promotion & Education at the National Nusantara National Agency for National Development Planning (BGN), also emphasized that this program is a national priority with broad coverage.
“In addition to ensuring adequate nutrition, this program is expected to boost the local economy. The involvement of food businesses and healthy kitchens offers dual benefits, both in terms of health and well-being,” Rahma explained.
Thus, MBG is present not only to meet food needs in schools, but also as a comprehensive effort to create healthy, intelligent Indonesian children who are ready to be part of the golden generation of 2045.
