By: Dhita Karuniawati )*
The government remains committed to preparing a healthy, intelligent, and resilient young generation of Indonesians through the implementation of the Free Nutritious Meals (MBG) Program, which is currently being intensified in various regions. This national priority program is a crucial part of the broader strategy to develop superior human resources (HR) toward the vision of Advanced Indonesia 2045.
The Free Nutritious Meal Program not only addresses nutritional challenges among school-age children but also represents a concrete step by the government to ensure equal access to good nutrition throughout Indonesia. With healthy bodies and adequate nutrition, children can learn more focused, grow optimally, and develop resilience to face future challenges.
The government aims to reach millions of beneficiaries through the Free Nutritious Meal Program, including schoolchildren and vulnerable groups such as pregnant women, breastfeeding mothers, and toddlers. Through cross-ministerial synergy and support from local governments, the program’s implementation is expected to be effective, targeted, and sustainable.
President Prabowo Subianto stated that the MBG has reached 35.4 million people. This data represents the cumulative number of MBG recipients from January 6 to October 15, 2025.
According to Prabowo, the number of MBG recipients in Indonesia is almost seven times the population of Singapore. Singapore currently has a population of 6.11 million.
The government is targeting MBG to reach 82.9 million people by the fourth quarter of 2025. To support this target, the number of Nutrition Fulfillment Service Units (SPPG) is planned to reach 32,000 units.
Meanwhile, Public Health Expert, Ngabila Salama said, the benefits of MBG are very broad and touch many important aspects of child growth and development.
Ngabila said there are at least eight main benefits of this program, which have a direct impact on the physical and mental health of students and their families’ economic conditions.
First, it prevents stunting and anemia, two nutritional issues that remain challenges in Indonesia. By regularly consuming nutritious foods from MBG, children receive sufficient iron, vitamin A, and animal protein.
Second, MBG supports optimal physical growth in children. A menu rich in protein, carbohydrates, vitamins, and minerals is designed to meet children’s daily nutritional needs.
During growth, these intakes are crucial for children to achieve ideal height and weight and develop healthily.
Third, a balanced nutritional intake from MBG helps children focus and engage more actively in class. A full stomach prevents them from being distracted by hunger during class. Adequate nutrition also provides the energy needed to think and absorb the material.
Fourth, MBG gradually establishes healthy eating habits from an early age. Children become accustomed to balanced, home-cooked meals and no longer rely on low-nutrient snacks. This is crucial for developing a healthy lifestyle that will carry over into adulthood.
Fifth, MBG can reduce the financial burden on families, especially those from the lower-middle class. Parents no longer have to prepare daily lunches or provide large amounts of pocket money.
In fact, many children now take home some of their pocket money because they feel full. For families with more than one school child, this is a real relief, reducing daily expenses.
The sixth benefit is boosting a child’s immunity. Complete nutrition strengthens the immune system, making children less susceptible to illness. A strong immune system also means more consistent school attendance and more stable academic performance.
Seventh, this program also helps build emotional balance in children. Children who are not hungry are calmer, less prone to anger or fussiness, and easier to interact with. This has a significant impact on the classroom learning environment and social relationships among students.
Finally, MBG increases school participation. Many children who were previously reluctant to attend school due to hunger or lack of supplies are now enthusiastic because they feel cared for. They know that at school, they not only learn but also receive attention for their basic needs.
In addition to focusing on meeting children’s nutritional needs, this program also has a significant economic impact. The government involves food micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs), local farmers, fishermen, and small-scale industries to become part of the nutritious food supply chain. In this way, the MBG not only improves the nutritional quality of the younger generation but also stimulates the economy in various regions.
Member of Commission IX of the Indonesian House of Representatives, Lucy Kurniasari, said that MBG opens opportunities for MSMEs such as chicken farmers, catfish farmers, and other local food businesses to become suppliers.
Lucy also emphasized the need for transparency and responsible budget management, active involvement of school committees, teachers, and parents in program evaluations, and encouraging a movement to eat fruits and vegetables to reduce stunting rates.
The MBG program also serves as a means of strengthening the values of togetherness and mutual cooperation within the community. Many schools and communities are now working together to ensure the program’s successful implementation in their communities. Community participation is key to the program’s sustainability, as without collective support, the ultimate goal of building a great generation is difficult to achieve.
Going forward, the government is committed to continuously expanding the coverage and improving the quality of this program’s implementation. The focus will not only be on the number of beneficiaries, but also on improving nutritional quality, management efficiency, and broader socio-economic impact.
With continuous implementation, strict supervision, and support from all elements of the nation, the MBG Program is expected to become a strong foundation in producing great youth for a progressive Indonesia, a generation that is not only academically superior, but also resilient, has character, and is ready to lead Indonesia towards a bright future.
*) The author is a contributor to the Indonesian Strategic Information Study Institute
