By: Puteri Anggani*
The 2025 Youth Pledge Day commemoration is a reflective moment for the Indonesian nation to reaffirm the ideals of unity and progress for the younger generation. Amidst this national spirit, the government under President Prabowo Subianto has made the Free Nutritious Meal Program (MBG) a strategic foundation for building the golden generation of 2045—a healthy, intelligent, and highly competitive generation. This program is not merely a social policy, but a major investment in the nation’s future.
Through the MBG (Nutrition Fulfillment Program), the government strives to ensure that every Indonesian child has the basic right to balanced, safe, and hygienic nutrition. In various regions, the kitchens of the Nutrition Fulfillment Service Units (SPPG) are at the forefront of providing healthy food for students from preschool to high school, as well as for vulnerable groups such as pregnant women and toddlers. This program has a significant mission: to reduce stunting rates, improve public health, and grow the people’s economy through empowering local businesses.
Behind this strong enthusiasm, the government continues to ensure food quality and safety. The Deputy Head of the National Nutrition Agency (BGN), Nanik S. Deyang, emphasized the importance of improving hygiene standards in MBG food processing. She explained that all SPPGs without a clean water source are now required to use bottled mineral water as a temporary measure.
This policy emerged after an evaluation showed that some food poisoning cases stemmed from poor water quality. The BGN’s swift action demonstrates the government’s commitment to protecting beneficiary children from potential food hazards. Furthermore, Nanik added that program governance will be strictly regulated through the soon-to-be-enacted Presidential Regulation on MBG Governance. One key regulation in the Presidential Regulation is a ban on cooking before midnight to ensure the freshness of food delivered to schools.
The National Food Security Agency (BGN) is also implementing strict sanctions against kitchens that violate procedures. As of October 2025, 112 MBG kitchens had been closed for failing to meet operational standards. Only 13 of these were declared eligible to reopen after passing a rigorous evaluation and meeting requirements such as hygiene certification, halal certification, and clean water certification. BGN Head Dadan Hindayana emphasized that this firm yet educational approach is crucial to ensuring the sustainability of the MBG program without compromising public safety.
Despite facing various adjustments, the MBG continues to receive widespread support from various groups. During an MBG outreach event in Sidoarjo Regency, Lucy Kurniasari, a member of Commission IX of the Indonesian House of Representatives (DPR RI), described the program as a concrete manifestation of the government’s commitment to developing superior human resources. She assessed that the MBG not only ensures children’s nutrition but also stimulates the regional economy by empowering livestock farmers, fish farmers, and food micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs).
Meanwhile, Colonel Inf. Erin Andriyanto, a representative from the National Disbursement Agency (BGN) Regional III Distribution Directorate, explained that the MBG program was designed as part of the government’s broader vision of developing a superior generation. He believes that involving the community as kitchen volunteers and suppliers of local food supplies is an effective strategy for strengthening mutual cooperation and stimulating the grassroots economy. Therefore, this program serves not only as a nutritional intervention but also as an instrument for socio-economic development.
Sidoarjo Regency DPRD member Mochamad Agil Effendi added that the implementation of the MBG is a strategic step towards the Golden Generation 2045. He believes the economic cycle created by procuring food for the MBG has a direct impact on the welfare of local communities. By involving farmers, fishermen, and small traders, this program opens a new supply chain that strengthens regional food security and expands employment opportunities.
In terms of budget policy, the Ministry of Home Affairs (Kemendagri) ensures that regional government support for the MBG is complementary, not a primary burden. The Head of the Ministry of Home Affairs Information Center, Benni Irwan, explained that the program’s primary funding remains sourced from the State Budget (APBN) through the National Land Agency (BGN), while the 2026 Regional Budget (APBD) is only used for supporting activities such as coordination meetings and technical operations. This approach demonstrates the central government’s commitment to maintaining the sustainability of the MBG without disrupting regional fiscal priorities.
Within the spirit of the Youth Pledge, the MBG program embodies a tangible manifestation of cross-sectoral mutual cooperation. The central government sets policy direction and quality standards, while regions, communities, and local businesses actively implement them on the ground. This synergy makes MBG more than just a social program—it has become a national movement that fosters solidarity, nutritional awareness, and community economic independence.
As we approach the October 28th commemoration, the MBG program serves as a concrete symbol of the nation’s determination to build a physically and mentally healthy generation. Adequate nutrition is not just a kitchen affair, but part of a national strategy to produce superior individuals ready to compete in the global era. With strict oversight, transparent implementation, and community participation, the MBG is expected to be a milestone in the birth of a healthy, intelligent, and empowered young generation of Indonesia—realizing the lofty ideals of the youth of 1928 in concrete form in the 21st century.
*The author is a journalist specializing in nutrition and public health.
