On the occasion of the Youth Pledge, MBG Encourages the Nation’s Children to be Healthier and Achieve Greater Success
By: Juanda Syah)*
The commemoration of the Youth Pledge (Sumpah Pemuda) serves as a crucial moment of reflection for the Indonesian nation, strengthening its spirit of unity and reaffirming its commitment to developing a healthy, intelligent, and high-achieving next generation. This spirit is now being realized through various concrete government initiatives to develop superior human resources. One such initiative is the implementation of the Free Nutritious Meals (MBG) program, supported by the Indonesian House of Representatives (DPR RI) and the National Nutrition Agency (BGN). This program is a concrete manifestation of efforts to create a golden generation towards a Golden Indonesia 2045.
The MBG program goes beyond simply providing free meals to the community; it strategically aims to ensure that Indonesian children receive adequate and balanced nutrition from an early age. With good nutrition, it is hoped that Indonesia’s young generation will grow into physically healthy, mentally strong individuals, and capable of achieving success in various fields.
M. Sarmuji, a member of Commission VI of the Indonesian House of Representatives (DPR RI), stated that the Free Nutritious Meals program is a long-term investment for the nation’s future. He believes that the success of national development is measured not only by infrastructure and economic progress, but also by the quality of its human resources. Through the MBG program, the DPR RI, along with the National Development Planning Agency (BGN), strives to ensure that every Indonesian child has an equal opportunity to grow up healthy and intelligent, regardless of their family’s economic situation.
For M. Sarmuji, developing superior human resources must begin with meeting adequate nutritional needs. Children with adequate nutrition will have better thinking skills, stronger immune systems, and a strong enthusiasm for learning. Thus, the MBG program not only promotes community health but also lays the foundation for developing a generation of achievers capable of contributing to the nation’s progress.
The Free Nutritious Meal Program is designed to reach a broad target group, from preschool students to high school/vocational school students, to non-education groups such as pregnant women, nursing mothers, and toddlers. These groups are considered highly strategic in shaping a quality future generation. Providing adequate nutrition from pregnancy through school age is key to creating a strong, productive generation ready to compete globally.
In addition to its positive impact on health, the MBG program also significantly contributes to the economic sector. Its implementation opens up new business opportunities, particularly in the local food sector. Farmers, fishermen, and micro-entrepreneurs in various regions can play an active role in providing nutritious food. Thus, the MBG not only raises public awareness of nutrition but also strengthens national food self-sufficiency and stimulates regional economies.
Regarding technical implementation, National Nutrition Agency Expert Ade Tias Maulana stated that his agency is committed to ensuring the Free Nutritious Meals program runs effectively, transparently, and accountably. To support this, the National Nutrition Agency (BGN) is developing a digital architecture that monitors budget usage and the program’s distribution process in real time. This digital system allows for accurate monitoring of every stage of the MBG implementation, from food procurement and field distribution to evaluating its benefits for the community.
Ade Tias Maulana emphasized that the National Nutrient Agency (BGN) applies strict implementation standards for this program, including calorie adequacy, nutritional balance, and food safety. Each menu provided to beneficiaries is designed based on nutritional studies tailored to their age and physiological condition, ensuring immediate benefits for community growth and health. This step demonstrates the government’s commitment to making nutrition a key pillar of human development.
The collaboration between the Indonesian House of Representatives (DPR RI) and the National Agency for Food Security (BGN) in implementing the MBG program also demonstrates a tangible form of mutually reinforcing cross-sector synergy. The DPR RI, through its legislative and oversight functions, ensures this policy receives strong regulatory and funding support. Meanwhile, the BGN acts as a technical implementer, focusing on ensuring the program runs according to standards. Meanwhile, communities are also involved in implementation on the ground, both as beneficiaries and business actors within the local food ecosystem.
In the context of the Youth Pledge, the implementation of the MBG program holds highly relevant significance. While in 1928, young people declared their determination to unite for the nation’s independence, today that spirit is translated into a commitment to developing a healthy and high-achieving young generation. This program is a concrete manifestation of the spirit of nationalism in the form of modern mutual cooperation, where the government and society work together to create a better future for the nation’s children.
The success of the MBG certainly requires support from various parties. Local governments are strengthening coordination with the National Agency for National Development Planning (BGN) to ensure the distribution of nutritious food reaches all regions, including remote areas. The business sector is also expected to contribute by providing quality local food, while educational institutions can serve as educational spaces for students to instill awareness of the importance of balanced nutrition and a healthy lifestyle.
The Free Nutritious Meal Program is concrete evidence that national development is not only supported by physical infrastructure, but also by the strength of healthy and productive human resources. Amid global challenges such as the food crisis and climate change, this initiative demonstrates the government’s commitment to ensuring every Indonesian child has the equal right to grow up healthy and achieve.
Through the spirit of the Youth Pledge, the MBG program symbolizes the rise of a new generation of Indonesians—one that is not only physically strong but also possesses a fighting spirit, intelligence, and a strong competitive spirit. With continued support from all elements of the nation, this program is expected to produce young people ready to lead Indonesia on a confident path toward a Golden Indonesia in 2045.
)* The author is a Jakarta student living in Bandung
