Government Improves Quality of Welfare and Education Through Free Nutritious Meals

The Indonesian government continues to strive to improve the quality of education and student welfare through the Free Nutritious Meals (MBG) program. Deputy Minister of Primary and Secondary Education, Fajar Riza Ul Haq, emphasized that MBG is not only a food distribution program, but also part of a larger strategy to improve the quality of education.

“Many students come to school hungry, which of course affects their concentration and performance. This program is here to ensure that every child gets enough nutrition so they can learn better,” he said.

In addition to improving student health, this program also aims to form healthy living habits through regular and nutritious eating patterns. With strict nutritional supervision, students are expected to not only get health benefits but also learn the importance of discipline and cleanliness.

Deputy Minister Fajar explained that this program will be expanded gradually, with the target that all schools in need can enjoy the benefits of MBG by the end of 2025.

“There are many factors that must be taken into account, such as the readiness of infrastructure and resources. However, the government is committed to ensuring that all children in need can feel the benefits,” he explained.

The government has allocated a budget of IDR 71 trillion for MBG, which will increase to IDR 171 trillion by the end of 2025. The main priority is given to schools in areas with high levels of food insecurity or students from underprivileged families.

“Schools in urban areas whose students come from well-off families may not need this assistance as much, so we focus on schools that need it more,” he added.

The Indonesian House of Representatives together with the National Nutrition Agency (BGN) continue to socialize MBG to increase public awareness and reduce stunting rates.

Member of Commission IX of the Indonesian House of Representatives, Lucy Kurniasari, emphasized the importance of public vigilance against parties who use the name of BGN in running this program.

“This socialization is important so that the public is not easily fooled by parties who claim to be organizers of MBG without official permission,” he said.

Lucy also revealed that the stunting rate in Sidoarjo Regency continues to show a decline. In August 2023, 5,026 toddlers were recorded as experiencing stunting, but this number continues to decrease thanks to various nutrition programs from the local government.