The Free Nutritional Meal Program (MBG) is a Long-Term Investment in Children’s Future
Lumajang – The government continues to strengthen the implementation of the Free Nutritional Meal Program (MBG) as a strategic step to build a healthy and intelligent young generation. This program is seen not simply as a social assistance program, but as a long-term investment for the nation’s future, leading to the realization of Indonesia’s Golden Generation by 2045.
The Regent of Lumajang, Indah Amperawati, emphasized the local government’s commitment to ensuring that all children in Lumajang Regency receive nutritious, safe food that meets national health standards. According to her, strengthening the implementation of the MBG demonstrates the government’s commitment to the quality of human resources from an early age.
“Regional heads, along with nutritionists and supervisory teams from various regencies in East Java, are committed to strengthening the supervision and implementation of the MBG program. This is not just an aid program, but an investment in the nation’s future,” said Indah.
Regent Indah explained that each region is obliged to ensure that the MBG implementation is on target and of guaranteed quality, from menu planning and food selection to distribution to students.
“Food hygiene and safety are non-negotiable. Every kitchen must meet a Hygiene and Sanitation Certificate and be inspected regularly to maintain food quality,” he stressed.
He also requested that the Lumajang Health, Population Control, and Family Planning Office (Dinkes P2KB) provide intensive mentoring to MBG kitchen managers to ensure food quality from upstream to downstream.
“This effort is part of the regional strategy to support national policies on nutrition and food security,” he added.
Meanwhile, the Head of the Lumajang Dinkes P2KB, Rosyidah, stated that her office has prepared a mechanism for testing the suitability of MBG kitchens, including checking the water, cleanliness of cooking utensils, and food storage.
“Every food handler is required to undergo hygiene training to ensure children receive safe and nutritious food,” Rosyidah said.
Echoing this sentiment, the Executive Director of Edu Watch Indonesia (EWI), Annas Fitrah Akbar, viewed the MBG Program as a major national strategy in preparing a superior generation for the future.
“This program is not a short-term project, but rather a long-term investment through nutrition and education. Healthy children will have high levels of focus and better academic achievement,” said Annas in a written statement in Jakarta.
He also called on all parties to support and oversee the implementation of the MBG constructively so that its benefits can be felt equally.
“Let’s support and oversee it together so that this noble program continues to run safely, with quality, and on target,” he concluded.
The Free Nutritious Meal Program is an important milestone for Indonesia’s human resource development. By meeting children’s nutritional needs from an early age, the foundation of the Golden Generation of 2045 will be even stronger, ensuring a healthy, intelligent, and globally competitive future for the nation.
