MBG Program Becomes Government’s Concrete Step to Realize Golden Indonesia 2045
By: Rivka Mayangsari*)
The Free Nutritious Meal Program (MBG) is here as one of the answers to the challenges of fulfilling children’s basic rights in Indonesia. In the midst of efforts to create a golden generation, this initiative is a symbol of the state’s commitment to ensuring that children receive adequate nutrition. More than just a food program, MBG is a strategic step to build a strong national foundation through a healthy and competitive young generation. Various parties from the government, private sector, to the community work together to support the success of this program.
In order to realize Indonesia’s golden generation, the government through the Free Nutritious Meal Program (MBG) is committed to fulfilling one of children’s basic rights, namely obtaining adequate nutrition. This initiative aims to support children’s growth and development while strengthening child custody rights by fulfilling basic needs. Support from various parties, from ministries to state-owned companies, makes this program a strategic step that integrates women’s empowerment, child protection, and improving the quality of life of the community.
Minister of State-Owned Enterprises Erick Thohir emphasized the importance of fulfilling children’s rights, especially in terms of adequate nutrition. He said that providing nutritious food not only supports children’s physical growth, but also contributes to the formation of a superior generation that is able to lead Indonesia in a better direction.
Minister of SOEs Erick also said that mothers have an important role in forming Indonesia’s golden generation. Therefore, according to him, the basic rights of women and children must be fulfilled, including the need for nutritious food. He added that the government’s attention to the issue of child nutrition is a form of commitment to creating a brighter future for the nation’s next generation.
Acting Assistant Deputy for Fulfillment of Children’s Rights to Care and Environment of the Ministry of Women’s Empowerment and Child Protection (KemenPPPA), Suhaeni, also expressed her support for the implementation of the MBG Program. She highlighted the importance of building public awareness about nutrition as the basic foundation for the nation’s next generation.
Suhaeni also said that PNM as one of the strategic partners has played a major role in supporting the government’s vision through women’s empowerment and child protection. This collaboration, according to her, shows that the issue of child nutrition is not only the responsibility of the government, but also requires contributions from various elements of society. She hopes that the MBG Program can continue as a collective effort to improve the quality of life of Indonesian children.
As an important partner in the implementation of the MBG Program, Permodalan Nasional Madani (PNM) shows its commitment through a holistic approach that involves providing financial, intellectual, and social capital to the community. PNM’s President Director, Arief Mulyadi, explained that literacy is one of the main aspects in supporting this program. He stated that PNM provides education to Mekaar’s mother customers on how to serve healthy, balanced, nutritious food according to their income.
In addition, Arief also emphasized that PNM continues to encourage strengthening the protection of women’s rights so that they can be empowered, both in the family and in the surrounding environment. He added that PNM does not only focus on financing ultra-micro businesses, but also contributes to achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) by 2030. This is considered in line with the grand vision of the MBG Program which wants to create a healthier and more productive Indonesian society.
Spokesperson for the Presidential Communications Office, Prita Laura, explained that the MBG Program is a real implementation of the government’s commitment to guaranteeing children’s rights to balanced nutrition. According to her, this program is also in line with the 1989 UN Convention on the Rights of the Child which emphasizes the importance of fulfilling children’s basic needs, including nutritious food.
She added that through the MBG Program, the state is present every day to ensure a better future for Indonesian children. The healthy menu provided in this program, according to Prita, is designed to support optimal growth and development of children. She also hopes that this program can inspire similar initiatives in various regions.
The MBG Program reflects a strong synergy between the government, BUMN, and the community in creating a healthy, intelligent, and productive generation. With a focus on fulfilling children’s rights and empowering women, this program not only helps Indonesian families meet their basic needs, but also supports the achievement of national development goals. This strategic step shows that collaboration between various parties can have a significant impact on society. The government, through the MBG Program, continues to be committed to being present as a community partner in realizing a brighter future for Indonesia.
Sustainability of this programrequires support from all elements of society. By raising awareness of the importance of nutrition for children, we are not only helping them grow up healthy, but also forming a generation that will lead Indonesia to become a more advanced and prosperous nation.
This program is also an initial step to inspire various regions to develop similar initiatives by considering local needs. With the increasing number of community-based programs that focus on nutrition and women’s empowerment, the ideal of realizing a stronger and more independent Indonesia is getting closer to reality.
*) Public policy observer