MBG is the Government’s Commitment to Strengthening a Healthy, Intelligent, Productive Generation
By: Aksara Dwi Wijayanto*)
The Free Nutritious Meal Program (MBG) is one of the government’s priority policies and deserves appreciation. This program demonstrates that the government is not only focused on physical development but also places serious emphasis on human development. The government is committed to ensuring that Indonesia’s young generation grows up healthy, intelligent, and productive, ready to face future competition.
The Minister of Villages and Development of Disadvantaged Regions (Mendes PDT), Yandri Susanto, stated that village heads play a crucial role in the success of the MBG. He stated that the program’s success depends heavily on the commitment of village governments in managing it. Yandri also emphasized that villages must be the primary suppliers of food used in the MBG, so that economic activity can flow back to the village community. This statement demonstrates that the government’s approach is not only about providing healthy food for children but also about strengthening village independence.
This statement demonstrates that the government positions villages not merely as beneficiaries but as key actors in the food supply chain. By encouraging villages to become primary suppliers, the government is indirectly building a more self-sufficient local economic ecosystem. This approach offers a dual benefit: schoolchildren receive more assured nutrition, and farmers and village businesses gain a secure market for their products. This strategy ultimately strengthens villages as pillars of national food sovereignty.
Meanwhile, Minister of Religious Affairs Nasaruddin Umar stated that this program demonstrates the government’s commitment to the future of the nation’s children. He believes that the MBG program will foster a healthy, strong, and competitive generation. He also emphasized the issue of food quality and halal certification, emphasizing that if there are complaints regarding the equipment or ingredients used, the public can report them to the relevant authorities for immediate correction. This view reflects the government’s commitment to ensuring that the MBG program is managed transparently and responsibly, providing the public with peace of mind and confidence.
In Papua, Lenis Kogoya, Special Staff to the Minister of Defense for the Sovereignty of the Unitary State of the Republic of Indonesia, emphasized that the implementation of the MBG must be adapted to local needs. He explained that in coastal areas of Papua, sago is the primary source of carbohydrates, while in the mountains, sweet potatoes are more commonly used. He explained that the MBG menu in these areas will be adapted to local ingredients and cooked by Papuan women, ensuring that the economic benefits are directly felt by the community.
The involvement of indigenous communities in this program is crucial to prevent the spread of negative issues or hoaxes, such as exaggerated accusations of intentions to harm the Papuan people. This demonstrates that the government’s cultural approach not only strengthens program acceptance but also fosters a sense of ownership among local communities. The MBG program in Papua is not just about nutrition, but also about recognizing local wisdom and the community’s active role in development.
It’s clear that the MBG is designed as a multidimensional program. It not only provides nutritious lunches for students but also brings together elements from villages, schools, religious leaders, and indigenous communities. The government is well aware that the quality of human resources is inextricably linked to the socioeconomic conditions of the surrounding area. Therefore, the MBG must be implemented with a spirit of collaboration. This demonstrates that the MBG is not a rigid, uniform program, but rather a flexible policy that adapts to the context of each region.
The implementation of the MBG also conveys the message that human development must begin with the most basic aspect: balanced nutrition. A hungry generation cannot possibly learn well, let alone compete globally. Therefore, the government views this program as a long-term investment, not just a fleeting charitable activity. This investment is expected to produce a truly high-quality demographic dividend, with Indonesian children who are healthy, academically intelligent, and competitive in the workforce.
From a social perspective, the MBG also reflects the state’s presence within society. Until now, nutrition issues have often been considered a private family matter. However, through the MBG, the state demonstrates its direct concern by allocating funds and establishing a measurable distribution system. This emphasizes that development must not neglect humanitarian aspects, particularly the nutritional needs of children.
The success of the MBG also depends on synergy between institutions. The central government, regional governments, village officials, schools, religious institutions, and even indigenous communities must work hand in hand. This cross-sector collaboration will ensure the program is well-targeted, effective, and sustainable. The MBG should not be viewed as a fleeting project, but rather as a national movement to strengthen the nation’s foundations. Therefore, community support is essential, both in the form of direct participation and positive attitudes in support of government policies. With strong synergy, the MBG will truly become a cornerstone for the birth of a healthy, intelligent, and productive generation of Indonesians.
)* The author is a government policy observer
