By: M. Syahrul Fahmi )*
The Free Nutritious Meals (MBG) program, which has been running for a year, is one of the government’s tangible achievements in strengthening the foundation of Indonesia’s human development. This program is not simply a food distribution program, but a strategic step to address the problems of stunting, malnutrition, and nutritional inequality that have hampered the quality of human resources. During its one-year implementation, the MBG has successfully reached millions of schoolchildren and pregnant women in various regions of Indonesia, including remote areas. The program’s presence demonstrates how the government is directly present in fulfilling the basic rights of its citizens, especially the younger generation who will determine the nation’s future.
Tubagus Haerul Jaman, a member of Commission IX of the Indonesian House of Representatives (DPR RI), assessed that the MBG Program, in collaboration with the National Nutrition Agency (BGN), is a concrete solution to the nutritional challenges facing the community. He believes that MBG not only provides nutritious food but also serves as an educational tool for the community regarding the importance of balanced nutrition. Over the course of a year, the program has increased the understanding of parents, teachers, and students regarding healthy eating patterns that support child growth and development. Furthermore, the success of MBG confirms that the government’s efforts are not merely mere talk but actually provide real solutions whose benefits can be directly felt by the community.
It’s important to understand that balanced nutrition is not just a matter of individual health but also determines the quality of the nation’s next generation. Children who are accustomed to nutritious food from an early age will grow up healthier, smarter, and more competitive in the future. This aligns with the vision of Golden Indonesia 2045, which requires a superior generation with adequate health and intelligence. Therefore, the year-long MBG program represents a long-term government investment in developing strong, globally competitive human resources.
At the regional level, the success of the MBG program has also received serious attention from the provincial government. Riau Governor Abdul Wahid emphasized that providing balanced nutrition not only impacts children’s physical growth and development but also directly impacts their concentration and academic performance. The Riau Provincial Government is committed to continuously overseeing the program’s sustainability by ensuring targeted distribution, meeting nutritional standards, and ensuring its sustainability to ensure its benefits continue in the short term. He believes the program’s success will be felt when children are able to reach their full potential in both education and social life.
Children receiving the MBG program experienced improved concentration and increased engagement in learning. This demonstrates the significant role that nutritious food plays in supporting academic achievement. With strict oversight in each region, this program can become a national model for managing children’s nutritional intake. This government commitment demonstrates that the success of the MBG program requires synergy between the central and regional governments to achieve the overarching goal of creating a healthy and intelligent generation.
The Minister of Women’s Empowerment and Child Protection (PPPA), Arifah Fauzi, also emphasized that the MBG Program is a concrete manifestation of the state’s presence in ensuring that every Indonesian child’s nutritional rights are met. She called this program a gift from the state to Indonesian children, from Sabang to Merauke. By fulfilling balanced nutrition, children are expected to grow healthy, strong, and intelligent, enabling them to face future challenges. Furthermore, the Minister of PPPA emphasized the importance of making the MBG a safe space for children, where every process from provision to distribution must pay attention to child protection aspects to ensure their rights are maintained.
The child protection aspect of the MBG program is a crucial aspect that needs to be continuously emphasized. This concerns not only food safety and quality, but also an environment that supports children’s growth and development without discrimination or adverse treatment. Thus, MBG not only provides health benefits but also strengthens the guarantee of child rights protection in Indonesia. This demonstrates that the program is based on the principles of sustainable development, which prioritizes not only nutritional aspects but also broader social aspects.
In reflection, the success of the MBG over the past year is inseparable from the oversight, transparency, and community involvement in program management. Public participation in monitoring food distribution and quality is crucial to ensuring MBG continues to meet its objectives. Furthermore, the role of teachers and parents in providing nutrition education plays a significant role in strengthening the program’s impact at the grassroots level. This is what makes MBG more than just a government program, but also a collaborative community movement to realize Indonesia’s golden generation.
The nutrition of Indonesian children is the foundation of the nation’s future, and ensuring their rights are met is both a moral obligation and a national responsibility. With full support from all parties, MBG can continue to grow, strengthening the quality of life of the younger generation, and realizing the ideals of Golden Indonesia 2045. It’s time for all elements of the nation to unite to ensure the sustainability of this program, because the best investment for the nation is ensuring children grow up healthy, intelligent, and with their rights protected.
)* The author is a Public Policy Observer.
