30,000 Graduates Ready to Make the Free Nutritious Meal Program (MBG) a Success
By: Silvia AP
The Free Nutritious Meal Program (MBG) is a national initiative initiated to address the challenges of malnutrition and stunting in Indonesia. Amidst various social and economic problems that plague most of the community, especially in remote and underdeveloped areas, MBG is present as a real form of the state’s attention to the health and future of the younger generation.
More than just providing food, this program is expected to be a driving force for social change by improving the quality of life of Indonesian children from an early age. In carrying out this great mission, the active participation of various elements of society is the key to success, including young intellectuals who are ready to jump in directly to accompany and distribute the spirit of change.
The National Nutrition Agency (BGN) noted that there are 30,000 Bachelors Driving Indonesian Development in the MBG program. The Head of BGN, Dadan Hindayana, said that the 30,000 new graduates will run the MBG program. With that, he believes that there is no Nutrition Service Fulfillment Unit (SPPG) that is not led by an Indonesian Development Driving Graduate.
Dadan said that the Indonesian Development Driving Graduates (SPPI) studied at Unhan for 3-4 months with details, the first 2 months were educated for the reserve component (Komcad) and the remaining 2 months for technical education including food security, food preparation, to agricultural cultivation. In the first batch, SPPI has been working since February. While the second batch is funded through the additional State Revenue and Expenditure Budget (APBN).
According to Dadan, SPPI education which is now managed under the Ministry of Defense will be completed in July 2025. After graduating, each nutrition service fulfillment unit will be led directly by an SPPI, ensuring that the program execution runs professionally and measurably. For information, SPPI graduates have received Basic Military Education (Diksarmil) from the Defense University (Unhan). This SPPI program is run through cooperation between BGN and Unhan.
Their involvement is not only as technical implementers in the field, but also as agents of change who are able to bring new perspectives to efforts to improve national nutrition. These scholars will work directly in the community, assisting in the implementation of programs, ensuring that the distribution of nutritious food is in accordance with standards, and providing education on the importance of healthy eating patterns and cleanliness. Their presence is expected to be able to bridge government policies with the needs and characteristics of the local community.
In a social context, the presence of these scholars has a significant impact. They not only bring a spirit of professionalism, but also revive the values of mutual cooperation, empathy, and service to others. In recent years, many college graduates have found it difficult to get jobs or do not feel relevant amidst the challenges of a rapidly changing world of work.
This program provides them with space to actualize their knowledge and skills, while also becoming part of the national solution to the problems of nutrition and basic education. Through this approach, the government not only empowers young human resources, but also instills sustainable social leadership values.
Head of BGN Expert Staff, Ikeu Tanziha said that each service unit spread across various regions is filled by three SPPI graduates divided into managerial positions, administration and accounting experts, and nutritionists. He ensured that the MBG program would be effective in January 2025 although it would be implemented in stages, adjusting to service units that were fully ready. Over time, service units will continue to grow and it is hoped that the number of SPPI will increase to be able to reach all districts/cities in Indonesia.
The MBG program involving 30,000 graduates is also an example of an integration model between the world of higher education and national development needs. Through the direct involvement of college graduates in strategic programs such as MBG, there has been a transformation in the way of looking at the role of higher education in development.
From a public policy perspective, the presence of 30,000 graduates in the MBG program reflects a holistic and progressive approach to development. The government not only provides assistance, but also builds community capacity through the presence of quality human resources. This is a form of long-term investment whose results may not be visible in a matter of days, but will be felt in the coming decades. Children who grow up healthy and educated will be the next generation that will lead Indonesia towards more inclusive and equitable progress.
