Free Nutritious Meals, a Form of Government’s Support for the People
By: Hardian Putra )*
The Free Nutritious Meals (MBG) program initiated by the government under the leadership of President Prabowo Subianto is real evidence of the state’s support for the people, especially children who are the nation’s next generation. This policy has received widespread attention from various groups, including public policy observers who consider this program a major breakthrough that provides direct benefits to the community.
The Executive Director of Trias Politika, Agung Baskoro, stated that MBG is an authentic policy that distinguishes President Prabowo’s government from the previous government. According to him, this program focuses on the basic rights of Indonesian children by providing adequate nutritional intake. He considered that this policy not only answers the national nutritional challenge but is also a strategic step in preparing a healthier and more qualified generation.
In its implementation, the MBG program has targeted thousands of schools and tens of thousands of students. The government has allocated a large budget to ensure that this program can run smoothly and on target.
The budget allocation of IDR 71 trillion and will increase to IDR 171 trillion by the end of 2025 shows the government’s seriousness in implementing this policy. The main focus is given to schools with students from underprivileged families and areas with high levels of food insecurity.
Deputy Minister of Primary and Secondary Education, Fajar Riza Ul Haq, assessed that MBG is not just a program to provide food in schools, but part of a major effort to improve the quality of national education. The government is aware that many students come to school hungry, which of course affects their concentration and academic achievement. With this program, it is hoped that every child can learn with more focus because their nutritional needs are met.
In addition to health benefits, this program also contributes to the formation of healthy living habits among students. With a regular meal schedule and strict nutritional supervision, students not only get enough nutrition but also learn about the importance of a healthy diet. The government is fully committed to ensuring that this program can reach all schools in need by the end of 2025.
The Head of the Gerindra Faction of the Indonesian House of Representatives, Budisatrio Djiwandono, also appreciated the government’s fast work in realizing the MBG program. According to him, the success of running this program in less than a hundred days of government shows the government’s strong commitment to the welfare of the people. He also emphasized that the Gerindra Faction will continue to oversee the implementation of this program so that it runs according to the vision projected by President Prabowo.
Budisatrio added that this program is more than just providing free food. MBG is a long-term investment in developing Indonesia’s human resources. By ensuring quality nutritional intake for children, this program is expected to produce a competitive and productive generation to welcome the Golden Indonesia era 2045. In addition, MBG also has dimensions of economic and social equality, which can support the growth of the local food industry.
The government is very aware that implementing a program of this magnitude is not easy and requires strict supervision. Therefore, BPOM is involved to ensure that every stage of production, distribution, and consumption of food in this program meets strict safety and nutrition standards. This is done to minimize risks such as extraordinary events (KLB) or food poisoning.
The success of the MBG program will not only have a positive impact on the health and education of Indonesian children, but can also be a policy model that inspires other countries. With full support from various parties and a strong government commitment, this program is expected to be able to create real change for the future of Indonesia’s young generation.
Through MBG, the government has shown that siding with the people is not only realized through the development of physical infrastructure, but also through investment in human resources. This step emphasizes that national development is not only about concrete and highways, but also about health, education, and a brighter future for children. This program is a real manifestation of the government’s concern and commitment to ensuring that no Indonesian child is left behind in obtaining their basic rights to live healthily and prosperously.
