MBG Program Improves Quality of Life of Young Generation
By: Mita Amalia Cantika
The Free Nutritious Meal Program (MBG) is one of the strategic initiatives carried out by the government of President Prabowo Subianto in order to prepare a superior and competitive young generation. Deputy Minister of Social Affairs Agus Jabo Priyono explained that one of the priority programs of the current government is to prepare a great young generation. The government has ordered the National Nutrition Agency to start implementing the Free Nutritious Meal Program for all students in Indonesia.
Agus said that this program is expected to not only support the nutritional needs of children, but also improve the quality of their education and life in the future. According to him, the synergy between fulfilling nutrition and quality education will form a more independent and competitive generation. He emphasized the importance of cooperation between schools, government, and families in implementing healthy living habits from an early age.
Meanwhile, the Minister of Primary and Secondary Education Abdul Mu’ti, at the launch of the Center of Excellence for the Free Nutritious Meal Program at IPB University, Bogor, stated that his ministry had prepared guidelines for implementing the MBG program in schools. The guidelines not only focus on providing nutritious food, but also character building and health services. Mu’ti emphasized that the MBG program has great potential to improve the quality of human resources in Indonesia, by integrating the values of togetherness, responsibility, and independence.
Furthermore, Abdul Mu’ti said that the book Recommendations for Implementing the Free Nutritious Meal Program has been prepared as a guide in implementing this program. This book includes various recommendations related to governance, monitoring systems, food safety, and nutritional standards. According to him, implementing a program that is integrated with character education will be an important part in strengthening the identity and quality of the younger generation. He also emphasized that this program can increase educational participation and attendance of children in schools, as well as create a positive impact on the welfare of farmers, livestock breeders, and MSME actors.
On the other hand, the North Sumatra Police Chief, Inspector General. Pol. Whisnu Hermawan Februanto reviewed the implementation of the Free Nutritious Meal Program trial at the Kemala Bhayangkari 1 Foundation in Medan. During his visit, he ensured that the food provided met the nutritional adequacy standards set by the government. Whisnu said that this program is a form of real concern from the government in ensuring that the younger generation grows up healthy and smart.
According to Whisnu, children who receive balanced nutrition will be more focused on learning and have higher competitiveness in the future. He also emphasized the importance of collaboration between the government, security forces, and the community in supporting the sustainability of this program. With strong synergy, the benefits of the program can be optimally felt by students in North Sumatra and other areas.
Furthermore, Whisnu emphasized that the quality of food and nutrition are key factors in building a healthy, smart, and highly competitive generation. Therefore, his party is committed to fully supporting the implementation of this program and ensuring that there are no obstacles in its implementation.
The Free Nutritious Meal Program also receives full support from various international institutions such as UNICEF, which states the importance of investing in children as the future generation. In the launch of the Center of Excellence Program MBG at IPB University, representatives of UNICEF Indonesia emphasized that every child has the right to basic needs and quality services to grow in a healthy and caring environment. A nutritious and balanced diet is an important element in supporting the optimal development of children.
IPB University Rector, Arif Satria, also said that the Center of Excellence Program MBG will be the center of research and development of this program. This center will study, provide recommendations, and create more efficient and appropriate program development models. According to Arif, the existence of this center is expected to strengthen program implementation and provide valuable input for government policies.
From these various views, it can be seen that the Free Nutritious Meal Program is a strategic step to build superior Indonesian human resources. Through support from various parties, from the central government to security forces and educational institutions, this program is expected to bring significant positive changes to the future of Indonesia’s young generation.
