One Year into the MBG Program, Public Recognizes Its Benefits for Nutrition and the Economy
By: Puteri Anindita*
One year into the Free Nutritious Meals (MBG) Program, it marks a significant milestone in the history of national development. This flagship program of President Prabowo Subianto has brought tangible changes to the lives of millions of Indonesian children and significantly boosted regional economic growth. The public views the MBG as a bold step that successfully integrates health, education, and economic aspects simultaneously.
In less than a year, the MBG has reached nearly 30 million beneficiaries. This figure demonstrates the state’s commitment to being present among the people by providing healthy and nutritious food to the younger generation. President Prabowo emphasized that this achievement represents a major undertaking unprecedented in Indonesian history. He stated that this success is not only about numbers, but also about the determination to reverse the tide of development to favor rural and regional communities. With a budget allocation of IDR 335 trillion, this program has channeled significant funds directly to villages, creating real economic equality.
The existence of the MBG not only ensures adequate nutrition for schoolchildren but also creates a ripple effect for the national economy. This program involves farmers, fishermen, MSMEs, and local service providers, creating a new economic ecosystem that grows from the ground up. The President even projects that by early next year, this program will create 1.5 million new jobs. This is not just a promise, but a concrete strategy to make the MBG a driving force for the national economy.
Coordinating Minister for Community Empowerment, Muhaimin Iskandar, emphasized that the MBG is a long-term investment for the nation. According to him, the benefits of this program are felt not only in the short term through improved child nutrition, but also in the long term through growing public awareness of the importance of healthy eating habits. The MBG is considered capable of encouraging a nutrition education movement, making Indonesian families more concerned about healthy and hygienic food intake. He added that the success of the MBG also reflects a spirit of mutual cooperation, as its implementation involves the central and regional governments, business actors, and the community.
Strong support also comes from the legislature. The Chairman of the Budget Agency of the Indonesian House of Representatives, Said Abdullah, stated that the MBG is a positive step that must be continuously strengthened. According to him, this program aligns with the country’s vision of improving the quality of human resources. Meanwhile, the Chairperson of Commission IX of the Indonesian House of Representatives (DPR RI), Felly Estelita Runtuwene, emphasized that the MBG plays a crucial role in accelerating the reduction of the stunting rate, which currently stands at 14.5 percent. She is optimistic that with the sustainability of this program, Indonesia can achieve the target of zero stunting in the future.
The Deputy Chairperson of Commission X of the DPR RI, Lalu Hadrian Irfani, also views the MBG as a highly strategic program. For him, the involvement of schools and teachers in supporting the program’s implementation will strengthen public trust and ensure that children receive healthy food every day. This is clear evidence that the MBG not only addresses health aspects but also contributes directly to the quality of national education.
From the academic community, Kristian Widya Wicaksono from Parahyangan University, Bandung, believes that the success of the MBG is crucially determined by the collaboration of various parties. He emphasized that a program of this scale requires the support of local governments, schools, and local networks for more effective implementation. He believes that the involvement of local networks is an asset that accelerates the program’s success because they directly understand the needs of the community.
These statements from prominent figures illustrate the public’s strong trust in the benefits of the MBG. This program is not simply a populist policy, but rather a visionary strategy to prepare Indonesia’s golden generation for 2045. With adequate nutrition, Indonesian children can grow up healthier, smarter, and ready to compete on the global stage. At the same time, the local economy becomes more dynamic, jobs are created, and community welfare improves.
The MBG program has become a symbol of social justice. The government ensures that no Indonesian child goes to school on an empty stomach. Every portion of nutritious food that reaches students’ tables not only satisfies them but also brings hope. The hope is that children will grow up healthy, concentrate better in their studies, and become a superior generation that will lead Indonesia to greatness.
