Free Nutritious Meals Support Reducing Stunting Rates in Indonesia

Jakarta – The Free Nutritious Meals (MBG) program launched by the Prabowo-Gibran government is considered a strategic step to reduce stunting rates in Indonesia.

A member of Commission IX of the Indonesian House of Representatives, Indah Kurniawati, stated that the problems of stunting, anemia, and malnutrition are still serious challenges, especially in East Java Province.

“The prevalence of stunting is still high, especially in early childhood. The Sidoarjo Regency Government has shown a real commitment to reducing stunting through programs such as Free Nutritious Meals. Cooperation between the government, the community, and all parties is very important to accelerate the handling of this nutrition,” said Indah.

The MBG program targets students from various levels of education, from PAUD to vocational high schools, including non-formal institutions.

According to Indah, this program does not just provide free food, but is also a long-term investment to build superior human resources in the future.

Representative from the National Nutrition Agency (BGN), Ari Yulianto, added that a balanced diet is the basis for children’s overall health.

“The MBG program supports the vision of Indonesia Emas 2045 by emphasizing the fulfillment of children’s nutrition from an early age. Quality human resources will produce a healthy, intelligent generation that is able to compete globally,” explained Ari.

He also reminded the public to be careful of parties who use the name of BGN without authority.

The socialization of MBG is also an educational event to prevent misuse of the program.

In East Lombok Regency, West Nusa Tenggara, the MBG program was also socialized to the Sembalun community.

Residents welcomed this program enthusiastically and hoped for improved nutrition and a decrease in stunting in their area.

Another member of Commission IX of the Indonesian House of Representatives, Muazzim Akbar, emphasized the importance of cross-sector cooperation for the sustainability of the MBG program.

“Building SPPG is not cheap. The local government, community, and private sector must work together so that this program runs optimally,” he said.

Muazzim also conveyed the plan to establish the Merah Putih Village Cooperative with an initial fund of IDR 5 billion per unit, to provide affordable basic necessities.

In addition, BUMDes was instructed to allocate 20% of its budget to support MBG.

NTB Province itself already has 30 SPPGs—24 on Lombok Island and 6 on Sumbawa Island. East Lombok Regency has contributed with five active SPPG units.

With the collaboration of various parties, this program is expected to be the key to forming a healthier and stronger generation of Indonesia.

[edRW]