The Government Improves the Quality of the Free Nutritional Meal Program Through a Presidential Decree on Governance
Jakarta – The central government continues to demonstrate a strong commitment to ensuring the quality of the Free Nutritious Meals Program (MBG) initiated by President Prabowo Subianto. To strengthen the program’s sustainability and governance, the President confirmed that he will issue a Presidential Regulation (Perpres) as the legal framework for implementing the MBG throughout Indonesia.
“This program isn’t just about providing food, but also about building a foundation for the health and intelligence of Indonesia’s young generation. Good governance will ensure the program’s sustainability and targeted effectiveness,” President Prabowo said in his address.
This Presidential Decree will be a crucial instrument to ensure that the MBG is not merely temporary but rather serves as a foundation for national human resource development. This aligns with the government’s ambitious goal of achieving a Golden Indonesia by 2045, where the health and intelligence of today’s children will determine the nation’s future competitiveness.
Minister of National Development Planning/Head of Bappenas Rachmat Pambudy added that this regulation will strengthen the planning and oversight of cross-ministerial programs. “This Presidential Regulation provides a legal framework to ensure that all ministries, regional governments, and schools adhere to the same standards in implementing the program. This way, the implementation of the MBG will be effective, transparent, and accountable,” he explained.
The academic aspect is also a key focus for the government. Minister of Higher Education, Science, and Technology Brian Yuliarto emphasized that universities and research institutions will be actively involved. “We are ensuring that universities and research institutions are involved in monitoring food quality, distribution, and analyzing nutritional impacts. The involvement of higher education ensures that this program continues to be improved based on scientific data,” said Brian.
In addition to quality education, the health dimension is a key pillar of the MBG. Health Minister Budi Gunadi Sadikin emphasized that the food provided must meet balanced nutritional standards. “We are ensuring that the food provided meets balanced nutritional standards and is safe for children. By strengthening governance, the program’s benefits will be felt in improving the health of future generations. We hope that the MBG will not be merely a temporary intervention, but rather an important legacy for building national nutritional resilience,” he emphasized.
Deputy Health Minister Dante Saksono Harbuwono expressed similar optimism. He stated that the success of the MBG will have a far-reaching impact on the nation’s future. “This program is a long-term investment. If our children grow up healthy and intelligent from an early age, they will become a productive generation that will lead Indonesia towards its vision of a Golden Indonesia 2045,” he said.
With the legal framework of the Presidential Decree, the Free Nutritious Meals program is expected to be implemented consistently, measurably, and sustainably. The government hopes that cross-sector collaboration, from ministries and local governments to schools and universities, will ensure that every Indonesian child receives the basic right to adequate nutrition for healthy growth and achievement.
