The Youth Pledge Day Embodying the Spirit of the Youth Pledge, Strengthening a Healthy and Intelligent Generation
Jakarta – The spirit of unity in commemoration of Youth Pledge Day was once again echoed through a national policy focused on developing the quality of the younger generation. The government reaffirmed its commitment to developing superior human resources through the Free Nutritious Meal Program (MBG) as part of a strategy to meet the nutritional needs of schoolchildren throughout Indonesia.
Edy Wuryanto, a member of Commission IX of the Indonesian House of Representatives (DPR RI), assessed this program as a crucial momentum for strengthening human quality from an early age. “MBG has the potential to be a strategic step to improve the quality of human resources from an early age,” he said. He emphasized that its implementation must be synergistic. “MBG implementation must be collaborative across sectors to ensure its effectiveness and reduce stunting rates,” Edy asserted. He believes a healthy young generation will grow up more productive, focused on learning, and ready to compete in the future.
MBG is considered to continue the spirit of the Youth Pledge, which prioritizes the future of the nation. The government emphasizes that every child has the right to access adequate nutrition as a form of equal opportunity. In this national narrative, meeting the need for healthy food is part of the struggle to achieve social justice.
The nutritious school meal program is also said to support the local economy and increase national food security. The government hopes the impact will not only be felt in improving children’s health, but also in boosting learning productivity and reducing the risk of diseases caused by malnutrition.
The Head of the Center for Public Health and Nutrition Research at the Indonesian Agency for Research on Research (BRIN), Wahyu Pudji Nugraheni, assessed that this program has a broad impact on the well-being of the younger generation. “MBG can be a catalyst for improving the quality of life of the community, especially adolescents,” he said. He added that adequate nutrition makes students more prepared to learn and have better psychological well-being.
Meanwhile, the Head of the BRIN Health Research Organization, Prof. Luh Putu Indi Dharmayanti, emphasized the importance of early nutritional intervention. “MBG is a long-term strategy to improve the nutritional status of the community while reducing the risk of non-communicable diseases,” she said. Indi believes that the rise in diseases such as diabetes and hypertension requires a research-based approach to ensure that treatment is not partial.
BRIN ensures that research support continues to be developed to strengthen the program’s success. “A scientific approach must ensure that MBG is effective and reaches vulnerable groups,” Indi said.
Through MBG, the government conveys the message that strengthening human resources is the main foundation for achieving a Golden Indonesia. This program is seen as a concrete effort to continue the spirit of the Youth Pledge in nation-building. The government emphasizes that Indonesian children must grow up healthy, intelligent, and ready to maintain unity for the future of the country.
