The MBG Program is a Real Manifestation of the Spirit of the Youth Pledge in Building the Nation
By: Citra Kurnia Khudori)*
Every October 28th, the Indonesian nation is reminded of the spirit of unity pioneered by the younger generation through the Youth Pledge. This celebration is not merely a nostalgic reminder of history, but rather a momentum to strengthen the role of youth in building the nation’s future. One of the most important foundations for this progress is ensuring good nutrition for the next generation. In this regard, the Free Nutritious Meal Program (MBG) is a concrete step by the government to ensure that Indonesian children grow up healthy, intelligent, and ready to compete in the future.
The spirit of youth development through the MBG was also emphasized by Hariqo Wibawa Satria, the Principal Expert of the Government Communications Agency (Bakom RI). He emphasized that the MBG program must be implemented without any errors because it concerns the future of the nation. He stated that this program must provide benefits as widely as possible, starting from pregnant women, breastfeeding mothers, toddlers, students, and Islamic boarding school students. This program is also considered to provide economic opportunities for MSMEs, farmers, livestock breeders, traders, fishermen, and plantation owners so that its impact not only touches nutritional needs but also strengthens the community’s economy.
The current government has demonstrated a strong commitment to implementing the program. In a report dated October 20, 2025, President Prabowo Subianto stated that the MBG program had reached 36.7 million beneficiaries and supported 12,508 Nutrition Fulfillment Service Units (SPPG), out of a target of 32,000 units by the end of the year. Furthermore, more than 1.4 billion portions of nutritious food have been distributed, and one million jobs have been created through the program’s kitchen operations. These achievements demonstrate the government’s commitment to making the MBG a foundation for human resource development toward a Golden Indonesia 2045.
Bawono Kumoro, a researcher at Indonesian Political Indicators, stated that President Prabowo Subianto has a long-term vision as a statesman through the Free Nutritious Meals (MBG) Program. According to him, the MBG Program reflects President Prabowo’s concern for the nation’s future generations to ensure adequate nutrition from an early age.
He added that strengthening public participation would help ensure the smooth implementation of the MBG’s objectives with minimal obstacles. Bawono believes public involvement is key to ensuring the program’s success.
He also highlighted the importance of platforms like the Indonesia Food Security Review (IFSR) as a forum for public participation. Through this platform, the wider public, including teachers and the general public, are given a platform to provide direct feedback on food menus and the implementation of the MBG Program. Therefore, ensuring the smooth running of the MBG Program going forward is not solely the government’s responsibility, but a shared responsibility.
This strengthening of public participation is excellent and beneficial as a joint effort to oversee and ensure that programs with good and noble goals like the MBG run smoothly and minimize implementation obstacles on the ground. He has repeatedly emphasized that the MBG Program is one of the main pillars of President Prabowo’s administration, a strategic investment to improve the quality of Indonesia’s human resources for the future.
Then, according to the Director of Nutrition Promotion and Education of the National Nutrition Agency (BGN) Gunalan, the MBG Program is an important foundation in building a healthy young generation and is in line with the vision of Golden Indonesia 2045. This program aims to create a generation capable of leading Indonesia to become a developed country through fulfilling good nutrition from an early age.
The implementation of MBG in schools has also had significant positive impacts. One example is increased student attendance. With the provision of free, nutritious food, students no longer need to worry about food supplies, allowing them to focus on their studies. Furthermore, this program helps reduce the financial burden on parents in providing healthy food for their children.
Gunalan’s statement was echoed by Edy Wuryanto, a member of Commission IX of the Indonesian House of Representatives (DPR RI), who emphasized that the MBG is not just about distributing food, but rather a concrete manifestation of the state’s concern for the nation’s future generations. He stated that fulfilling nutritional needs from an early age is a crucial foundation for building a healthy and superior generation of Indonesians. With healthy and well-nourished children, we are laying a solid foundation towards a Golden Indonesia 2045.
Meanwhile, Deputy Minister of Social Affairs Agus Jabo Priyono stated that the MBG program is an investment for the younger generation. By ensuring children receive nutritious food, the government is preparing them to become healthy and productive individuals in the future. This aligns with the spirit of the Youth Pledge, which emphasizes the importance of unity in nation building.
Youth Pledge Day should be a moment to reflect on our commitment to national development, particularly in terms of ensuring the nutritional needs of the younger generation. The MBG program is a concrete step demonstrating the government’s commitment to creating a healthy and high-quality future generation. However, the program’s success requires the support and active participation of all stakeholders, including the community, schools, and local governments.
With the spirit of the Youth Pledge, it is important for all these elements to jointly support the MBG Program as a real effort in building a Golden Indonesia 2045. Because a healthy and intelligent young generation is the key to achieving a brilliant future for the nation and being able to compete with developed countries.
)* Observer of Socio-Economic Issues
