Government Creates Healthy Generation Through MBG Program

Jakarta – In an effort to create a healthy, intelligent, and productive generation of Indonesia, the government has launched the Free Nutritious Meal Program (MBG) which aims to overcome the problem of stunting and malnutrition among children and mothers.

Acting. Director of Budget for Human Development and Humanity, Directorate General of Budget, Diah Dwi Utami, said that Indonesia still faces major challenges related to nutrition.

“Around 4.5 million children still experience obstacles in physical growth and cognitive development due to malnutrition. Stunting can cause long-term impacts, such as decreased cognitive abilities, learning achievement, and productivity in the future,” said Diah.

According to her, unequal access to nutritious food, especially in rural areas, remote areas, and for families with low socio-economic conditions, is still a major obstacle.

“Therefore, the MBG Program is a solution to increase the level of healthy food consumption, as well as the quality of public health and education. It is hoped that this program can improve worker competitiveness, increase employment opportunities, reduce inequality, and reduce poverty rates,” added Diah.

This program also received full support from the Deputy Chairman of the MPR RI, Eddy Soeparno, who said that the Free Nutritious Meal program can support children’s growth and development.

“This program aims to ensure that every child gets sufficient nutritional intake to support their growth and learning achievements. By creating a healthy generation, it is hoped that it can reduce stunting rates, increase students’ focus on learning, and produce a smarter and more productive future generation,” said Eddy.

In line with that, Member of Commission IX of the Indonesian House of Representatives, Muazzim Akbar, said that President Prabowo has great concern for national development in various sectors, including health.

“The MBG Program is designed to improve the nutritional conditions of the community, especially children and mothers, and reduce stunting and malnutrition rates in Indonesia. Good nutrition is the main foundation in building superior human resources. This is part of the government’s efforts to create a more independent, prosperous, and just nation,” said Muazzim.

This program is expected to reach communities throughout Indonesia, especially in areas that need it most, so that there are no more children who are malnourished, which prevents them from growing optimally.