By: Ricky Rinaldi
The Indonesian government continues to show serious commitment in preparing the next generation of the nation to be healthy, intelligent, and resilient through various strategic policies. One real effort that is now a major concern is the Free Nutritious Meal Program (MBG). This program is not just about providing food, but rather a long-term investment in developing superior human resources to welcome the vision of Golden Indonesia 2045.
The MBG program is designed to reach very strategic target groups, from PAUD to high school students, Islamic boarding school students, toddlers, pregnant women, to breastfeeding mothers. The government realizes that early nutritional intake greatly determines the quality of children’s growth and development, endurance, learning ability, and their competitiveness in the future. Thus, MBG is expected to be able to create a generation that is not only physically healthy, but also intellectually intelligent and mentally strong.
Member of Commission IX of the Indonesian House of Representatives, Muazzim Akbar, expressed his view that the MBG program is a strategic step by the government to prepare the golden generation. He assessed that this program is not only about providing nutritious food, but also as part of an effort to improve the quality of life of the community as a whole. He added that MBG also has great potential in empowering the local economy through community partnership opportunities in procuring food ingredients and managing nutrition kitchens. According to him, the benefits of this program are felt not only in the health sector, but also provide real encouragement for improving community welfare.
Secretary of the Deputy for Promotion and Cooperation of the National Nutrition Agency (BGN), Lalu Muhammad Iwan Mahardan, explained that the quality of nutritional intake greatly affects children’s growth and development, learning abilities, and the competitiveness of future generations. He emphasized that the success of MBG is greatly influenced by the support of the local government and the active participation of the community. This means that cross-sector collaboration is the main key to ensuring that this program runs optimally and sustainably.
A concrete example of the success of the participatory approach in the MBG program can be seen in Canduang District, Agam Regency, West Sumatra. In this area, the community is directly involved in providing local food ingredients and managing nutrition kitchens. This shows that this program is not only centered on the government, but also belongs to the community who actively contribute to its success.
Member of Commission IX of the Indonesian House of Representatives, Ade Rezki Pratama, views community involvement as one of the main factors in the success of MBG. He said that this program not only has an impact on improving nutrition, but also opens up employment opportunities and encourages the progress of local agriculture. According to him, MBG is a form of long-term investment in human resource development as well as an instrument to strengthen economic resilience at the community level.
Expert Staff for the Deputy for Promotion and Cooperation of BGN, Adib Al Fikry, explained that this program is aimed at reducing stunting and malnutrition rates while boosting student achievement through the provision of nutritious food in the school environment. He said that with adequate nutrition, students can focus more on the learning process, which will ultimately contribute to improving the quality of education. According to him, MBG is not only a health strategy, but also a long-term investment in the education and human development sectors.
Furthermore, Adib explained that the implementation of MBG is strictly monitored and accountable. The process involves the Food and Drug Supervisory Agency (BPOM) to ensure the safety and quality of the food provided. In addition, this program also empowers local micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs), farmers, and fishermen in the food supply chain. With this scheme, MBG shortens the distribution chain while strengthening the local economy which is the backbone of national food security.
The MBG program is real proof that the state is present in improving the quality of life of the community, especially in terms of fulfilling basic nutrition which has a broad impact on other sectors such as education and the economy. With a comprehensive approach, MBG is designed not only to address short-term problems such as malnutrition or stunting, but also to build a solid foundation towards a healthy, productive, and competitive Indonesian society in 2045.
The government also encourages regions to actively involve local potential in implementing this program. That way, MBG is not only an instrument for improving nutrition, but also a tool for empowering villages and strengthening the local economy. Every region in Indonesia has abundant local food wealth, and MBG is a medium to optimize this potential throughutilization of local agricultural, livestock, and fishery products.
From the aspect of community involvement, this program has proven to be able to strengthen cooperation between the government, schools, parents, and business actors in the region. MBG is an example of how public policy can run effectively if carried out through mutual cooperation. Through the involvement of various stakeholders, MBG becomes a shared program whose benefits are directly felt by the community.
With all the potential and contributions provided, MBG deserves to be called an important milestone in Indonesia’s journey towards 2045. Through integrated policies, the government shows its seriousness in preparing a golden generation that will lead Indonesia to become a great nation that is independent, highly competitive, and respected by the world. In this context, MBG is not just a food program, but a foundation for changing civilization.
*) Strategic Issue Observer
