Free Nutritious Meal Program, Real Commitment to Fulfill National Nutritional Needs
By: Anindira Putri Maheswani )*
In the spirit of togetherness and commitment to achieving a healthier Indonesia, the Free Nutritious Meal (MBG) program is increasingly showing a positive direction for improving the quality of national nutrition. This program has not only succeeded in gaining a positive response from the community, but also strengthens the synergy between various government agencies in realizing the vision of Golden Indonesia 2045. Support from various parties, ranging from research managers, regional officials, to security institutions, confirms that MBG is a long-term investment for the growth and development of the nation’s next generation.
The MBG program continues to receive support from the Riau Provincial Government to strengthen MBG’s steps. Zulkifli Syukur, Assistant I of the Riau Provincial Secretariat, conveyed the readiness of the regional government to support the acceleration of program implementation even though they are still waiting for regulations and technical instructions from the central government. With the existence of 15 Nutrition Fulfillment Service Units (SPPG) spread across various districts/cities in the Riau region, the regional government has shown high dedication in ensuring that the MBG program can be run optimally.
Zulkifli emphasized that the main objective of this program is for children in Riau to grow optimally, not only in terms of physical appearance, but also their IQ development. This commitment is in line with strategic efforts to support the vision of Indonesia Emas 2045, where the young generation is the nation’s most important asset. The existence of SPPG throughout Riau is a real manifestation that the local government is not only focused on providing nutritious food, but also trying to create a conducive environment for the growth and development of children.
At the national level, the Deputy for Systems and Governance of the National Nutrition Agency, Tigor Pangaribuan, explained that the MBG program evaluation and optimization meeting had been held following the direction of the President of the Republic of Indonesia. The focus of the meeting was not only to evaluate the implementation over the past few months, but also to set strategic targets for 2025. The MBG program, which covers students from early childhood to high school, as well as toddlers, pregnant women, and breastfeeding mothers, reflects a holistic approach in dealing with national nutrition problems.
Tigor emphasized that the policies taken were in accordance with Presidential Regulation Number 83 of 2024 concerning the National Nutrition Agency. This signifies the central government’s commitment to providing a solid regulatory framework to support efforts to improve nutritional quality. Thus, every step in implementing the MBG program is not only reactive to current problems, but also strategic to build a foundation of health for future generations.
In addition to support from the health and education sectors, the role of security institutions also strengthens the implementation of MBG. Banten Police Chief, Inspector General Pol Suyudi Ario Seto, explained that the construction of a healthy kitchen as a follow-up to the Asta Cita Program policy of the President of the Republic of Indonesia is a concrete step in supporting food security. The healthy kitchen, which will be managed by 47 personnel from various elements of the nutrition agency and police ranks, is expected to be a model for every Polres in the Banten Police area.
The target for completing the construction of the healthy kitchen, which is set within the next month and a production capacity of 3,110 portions of nutritious food every day, shows the seriousness of the police in supporting the sustainability of the MBG program. This initiative not only provides direct benefits to school children, Islamic boarding school students, students with special needs, and pregnant and breastfeeding mothers, but also creates synergy between various elements of the state in facing the challenges of food security.
The implementation of the MBG program is a real manifestation of the synergy between policies, supervision, and evaluation carried out by various parties. This integration creates a system that not only focuses on providing nutritious food, but also on improving the quality of life and potential of the nation’s children. With support from the community, local government, central government, and law enforcement institutions, the MBG program has created momentum for broader change.
Seeing the various efforts and concrete steps that have been taken, it is clear that the MBG program is a policy that focuses on improving community welfare. This initiative not only has a direct impact on health, but also has a positive impact on aspects of education, economy, and national food security. The support and commitment shown by various parties is an example of synergy that deserves to be appreciated, considering that the existing challenges cannot be overcome by one party alone.
