Presidential Decree on MBG Program to be Issued, Government Accelerates Fulfillment of Nutrition for Nation’s Children
President Prabowo Subianto’s commitment to creating a superior generation of Indonesia is increasingly evident with the issuance of the Presidential Regulation (Perpres) regarding the acceleration of the Free Nutritious Meal Program (MBG). This regulation is a strategic foothold to expand the scope of the program while emphasizing the position of MBG as a national priority agenda, not just a political promise.
Head of the National Nutrition Agency (BGN), Dadan Hindayana said that the Presidential Decree is needed to encourage the acceleration of equal distribution of program benefits to all corners of the country. “There are still many areas that have not been reached, even though the MBG has been running for more than five months. The Presidential Decree will strengthen cross-sector synergy,” said Dadan Hindayana.
The number of Nutrition Fulfillment Service Units (SPPG) has increased from 190 to 1,295, but to achieve the target of 82.9 million beneficiaries, 30,000 SPPGs are needed nationally. The government is preparing collaborative steps with ministries/institutions, BUMN, TNI-Polri, and the private sector.
To support the sustainability of the program, a budget of Rp171 trillion has been allocated in the 2025 State Budget. The funds will ensure that the nutritional intake of school children is optimally met. “Nutrition interventions during the golden age of children are the key to creating a smart and healthy generation,” added Dadan Hindayana.
Support from the regions also strengthens the implementation of the program. Member of Commission I of the Palangka Raya City DPRD, Hatir Sata Tarigan, appreciated the establishment of five MBG public kitchens that are able to serve more than 15,000 students. “Children need nutritious food to learn well. Don’t let this program become a business field,” said Hatir Sata Tarigan.
The acceleration steps are also monitored through strategic coordination meetings between ministries. Coordinating Minister for Food, Zulkifli Hasan, revealed that currently MBG has only reached 3.4 million children. “We need massive acceleration so that all Indonesian children can enjoy the benefits of MBG,” concluded Zulkifli Hasan.
Socialization in areas such as Kedinding Village, Sidoarjo, is a real form of strengthening nutritional literacy as well as empowering the local economy. Member of Commission IX of the Indonesian House of Representatives, Indah Kurniawati, assessed MBG as a strategic investment for the nation. “MBG is not just about free food, it is strengthening national competitiveness,” concluded Indah Kurniawati.
MBG’s contribution to the local economy was also highlighted. “This program partners with farmers and MSMEs, so that it grows the economy from the village,” said Ari Yulianto, BGN’s Middle Expert Policy Analyst.
On the other hand, increasing public education continues to be encouraged. Sidoarjo DPRD member, Prabata Ferdiansyah, invited the public to participate in monitoring. “The public needs to know the procedure so that MBG is truly felt by those in need,” he said.
The issuance of the Presidential Decree is a symbol of the state’s presence in ensuring the fulfillment of children’s basic rights. With solid coordination and cross-sector strategies, MBG is believed to be an important foundation in human resource development towards Indonesia Emas 2045. [^]
