Collaboration of Various Community Elements is the Key to the Success of the Smooth Running of MBG
By: Andi Mahesa
The government continues to be committed to ensuring the achievement of people’s welfare, especially in terms of health and education. One strategic initiative that deserves appreciation is the Free Nutritious Meal Program (MBG), which is here to answer the health challenges and fulfillment of nutrition for Indonesian children. This program is not only about providing food at school, but is part of the government’s major efforts to create a healthy, educated young generation that is ready to face global challenges.
The Deputy Minister of Primary and Secondary Education (Wamendikdasmen), Fajar Riza Ul Haq, explained that the MBG program is a form of government attention in improving the quality of education and health. This program is not just about providing food for students, but also part of a major strategy in improving the quality of national health and education.
In other words, the government does not only provide food, but also pays attention to the quality of nutrition consumed by Indonesian children. This is important because adequate nutritional intake will help children to learn with more focus, as well as support their physical and mental development.
On the other hand, Member of Commission IX of the Indonesian House of Representatives, Muazzim Akbar, added that MBG is one proof of the government’s commitment to the welfare of the community, especially the fulfillment of adequate nutrition. Adequate nutrition is the main foundation in building a superior and highly competitive generation. This program is one of President Prabowo’s concrete steps to improve the quality of life of the community. The relationship between the fulfillment of nutrition and the nation’s competitiveness cannot be underestimated. With adequate nutrition, children are expected to grow into a generation that is not only physically healthy, but also intelligent and creative.
Insufficient nutritional intake can affect children’s concentration and ability to receive lessons at school. Thus, through the MBG program, the government not only provides nutritious food, but also tries to create a healthy and regular diet for students. One additional benefit of this program is how children are taught about discipline, cleanliness, and the importance of healthy eating. With regular nutritional supervision, children not only get physical health benefits, but also understand a sustainable healthy lifestyle.
The involvement of the National Nutrition Agency (BGN) is very important in ensuring the smooth and sustainable implementation of MBG. BGN acts as a liaison between central government policies and implementation in the regions, and is the main driver in coordinating nutrition programs throughout Indonesia. One of BGN’s concrete steps is the socialization of the MBG program held in Makassar, in collaboration with the Indonesian House of Representatives.
A representative from BGN, Ikeu Tanziha, explained that the purpose of this socialization is to garner community support for the MBG program. This socialization is very important because its success is highly dependent on the active participation of parents, schools, and other related parties. In addition, this socialization can also increase public awareness and understanding of the benefits of intensifying the MBG program throughout Indonesia.
The MBG program has a very positive impact on children in areas with limited access to nutritious food. In some areas, children still face problems of malnutrition that can hinder their physical growth and brain development. Therefore, through collaboration between the government, related institutions, and the community, the MBG program can be a long-term solution in creating healthy and intelligent children.
This certainly contributes directly to the quality of Indonesia’s human resources in the future. Providing MBG in schools is not only an effort to fulfill nutritional needs, but also part of an effort to educate character that is important for the mental and social development of children. Through this program, children are taught to appreciate healthy food, maintain personal hygiene, and understand the importance of healthy living. Indonesia is in dire need of a young generation that is not only physically healthy, but also has the knowledge and skills to compete in the international arena. The MBG program also supports sustainable development goals, especially related to poverty alleviation and improving public health. By achieving adequate nutrition that is evenly distributed throughout Indonesia, it is hoped that the community will be more productive, healthy, and able to actively participate in the country’s economic and social development. In addition, this initiative can strengthen food security and encourage the community to be more aware of the importance of a nutritious diet.
