Jakarta – The administration of Prabowo Subianto has prioritized the implementation of the Free Nutritious Meals Program (MBG) for the 3B group—pregnant women, breastfeeding mothers, and toddlers—as an initial step to strengthen national nutrition interventions. This policy is aimed at ensuring adequate nutrition during the crucial first 1,000 days of life, a period widely considered the most decisive for the health quality and development of future generations.
The National Nutrition Agency (BGN) has even instructed the Nutritional Fulfillment Service Units (SPPG) to prioritize the 3B target group before expanding the program to schools or students. The 3B group is regarded as more vulnerable and therefore needs to be prioritized.
“I must emphasize this because there has been a difference in understanding. When SPPG facilities are newly established, some partners immediately make cooperation agreements with schools. In fact, when a new kitchen is built by partners, the first groups that should be targeted are these vulnerable groups—toddlers, pregnant women, and breastfeeding mothers. They should be the priority,” said Deputy Head of BGN Sony Sonjaya.
Sony explained that Indonesia has become a pioneer in providing nutritious meals for the 3B group. This approach is considered an advantage of the MBG program compared with similar initiatives in other countries, as more than 77 countries only implement school meal programs or free meals in schools.
“Indonesia is not merely implementing a school meal program, but rather a school meal plus program because it also focuses on the 3B group,” he said.
In addition, Indonesia has introduced an innovation by delivering nutritious food directly to the homes of pregnant women, breastfeeding mothers, and toddlers through the support of community health volunteers from posyandu. Through this program, the government also hopes to shift public awareness toward understanding that nutritious food must contain complete components—carbohydrates, protein, fiber, and vitamins.
“The mindset of the Indonesian people is beginning to change. Previously, many did not pay attention to what elements their meals contained. Now children—from Aceh to Papua, from rural villages to metropolitan areas—are beginning to understand that a proper meal should include four components: carbohydrates, protein, fiber, and vitamins,” Sony explained.
As of March 2026, the distribution of MBG meals for the 3B group has reached a significant milestone. The Minister of Population and Family Development (Mendukbangga) and Head of the National Population and Family Planning Board(BKKBN), Wihaji, stated that 6.2 million portions of Free Nutritious Meals for the 3B target group have been distributed by 52,000 Family Assistance Teams (TPK).
“Thank God, we will also ensure that the MBG program for the 3B group will eventually operate across Indonesia, even though it has not yet reached the most remote areas,” he said.
