Jakarta – Commemorating Youth Pledge Day on October 28, the government has once again demonstrated its commitment to developing a healthy, intelligent, and empowered young generation by strengthening nutrition programs for school children. This flagship initiative is driven by the Free Nutritious Meals (MBG) program, which was rolled out nationwide as a strategic step to support education, health, and empowerment of Indonesian youth.
In his first-year address, President Prabowo Subianto emphasized that meeting the nutritional needs of school children is not just an ordinary subsidy but the foundation of Indonesia’s human resource development.
“Thank God, we have been able to maintain high economic growth… and most importantly, we prioritize providing the younger generation with adequate nutrition so they are ready to face global challenges,” the President said. The
MBG program itself has begun to reach many schools and students at various levels. According to official information, the program has reached approximately 20 million schoolchildren, pregnant women, and breastfeeding mothers by August 2025. It was also reported that since January 2025, 1,410,000,000 portions of MBG have been distributed to 36.7 million schoolchildren, pregnant women, and breastfeeding mothers.
Fadhly, an expert at the Indonesian House of Representatives (DPR RI), emphasized that MBG is a strategic initiative by President Prabowo to reduce stunting and malnutrition rates in Indonesia.
“The goal is clear: to ensure that Indonesian children receive balanced nutrition for optimal growth and achievement. This program also has an economic impact because it empowers the local food sector,” Fadhly said.
Meanwhile, Azmi Hidzaqi, Coordinator of the Indonesian Institute for Aspiration and Public Policy (LAKSI), highlighted the program’s oversight aspect.
“We fully support the National Nutrition Agency’s (BGN) efforts to improve all food supply partners by tightening safety procedures from the kitchen to distribution,” Azmi said.
He also reminded that incidents such as food poisoning should not hinder the implementation of this strategic program.
Amidst global and domestic challenges, the government is presenting MBG as a holistic solution that combines nutrition, education, and local economic empowerment. Furthermore, program implementation is being strengthened with a distribution mechanism that remains operational even during school holidays to ensure continuity of benefits.
In the spirit of the Youth Pledge Day celebration, the government positions youth as the spearhead of change. With adequate nutrition, schoolchildren are expected to be not only physically healthy but also resilient in thinking, creative in facing the challenges of Industry 4.0, and productive in developing the nation. The MBG program also strengthens the empowerment of the local food sector, creates jobs, and strengthens food security and sustainable nutrition education.
Closing his statement, President Prabowo reiterated that Indonesia’s young generation must be able to stand tall, be competitive, and contribute significantly to the nation.
“With good nutrition, we will have young people who are brave, creative, and lead Indonesia to glory,” Prabowo said.*
