Through the MBG Program, the Government Prepares Healthy and Empowered Youth

Jakarta – Commemorating Youth Pledge Day on October 28th, the government has once again demonstrated its commitment to developing a healthy, intelligent, and empowered young generation by strengthening nutrition programs for school children. This flagship initiative is based on the Free Nutritious Meals (MBG) program, which was rolled out nationwide as a strategic step to support education, health, and empowerment of Indonesian youth.
In his first-year address, President Prabowo Subianto emphasized that meeting the nutritional needs of school children is not just a mere subsidy but the foundation of Indonesia’s human resource development.
“Thank God, we have been able to maintain high economic growth… and most importantly, we prioritize adequate nutrition for the younger generation so they are ready to face global challenges,” said the President.
The MBG program itself has begun to reach many schools and students at various levels. According to official information, this program has reached approximately 20 million school children, pregnant women, and breastfeeding mothers by August 2025. It was also reported that since January 2025, 1,410,000,000 portions of MBG have been distributed to 36.7 million school children, pregnant women, and breastfeeding mothers.
Fadhly, an expert from the Indonesian House of Representatives (DPR RI), emphasized that MBG is President Prabowo’s strategic initiative to reduce stunting and malnutrition rates in Indonesia.
“The goal is clear: to ensure Indonesian children receive balanced nutrition for optimal growth and achievement. This program also has an economic impact by empowering the local food sector,” said Fadhly.
Meanwhile, Azmi Hidzaqi, Coordinator of the Indonesian Institute for Public Aspiration and Policy (LAKSI), highlighted the program’s oversight aspect.
“We fully support the National Nutrition Agency’s (BGN) efforts to improve all food supply partners by tightening safety procedures from the kitchen to distribution,” said Azmi.
He also reminded that incidents such as food poisoning should not hinder the implementation of this strategic program.
Amidst global and domestic challenges, the government presents the MBG as a holistic solution that combines aspects of nutrition, education, and local economic empowerment. Furthermore, program implementation continues to be strengthened with a distribution mechanism that continues even during school holidays, to ensure continuity of benefits.
In the spirit of the Youth Pledge Day celebration, the government positions youth as the spearhead of change. With adequate nutrition, schoolchildren are expected to be not only physically healthy but also resilient in thinking, creative in facing the challenges of Industry 4.0, and productive in developing the nation. The MBG program also strengthens the empowerment of the local food sector, creates jobs, and strengthens food security and sustainable nutrition education.
Concluding his statement, President Prabowo reiterated that Indonesia’s young generation must be able to stand tall, be competitive, and contribute significantly to the nation.
“With good nutrition, we will have youth who are brave, creative, and lead Indonesia to glory,” Prabowo said.***