BALI, getnews – The Free Nutritious Meals (MBG) program has been reaffirmed as one of the government’s key concrete steps in combating stunting and malnutrition, which remain critical national health challenges. Through a series of outreach campaigns, including a recent event at the Wantilan Pura Dalem Sesetan, Gianyar, the government demonstrated its commitment to providing structured, sustainable, and family-centric nutrition services.
I Nyoman Parta, a member of Commission VI of the Indonesian House of Representatives (DPR RI), emphasized that while policy is essential, the success of the MBG program depends not only on government policy but also on fundamental changes in people’s lifestyles in developing healthy eating habits. He believes families play a central role in shaping a generation that is physically and mentally strong.
“We agree that children are a precious gift. Our job is not only to ensure they go to school, but also to ensure they consume nutritious and balanced meals. Dietary changes start at home,” he said.
The Biggest Threat: Ultra-Processed Foods
According to Nyoman Parta, the biggest challenge today is the increasing consumption of ultra-processed foods among children, a habit which severely impacts their daily nutritional needs. This trend threatens to undermine the massive investment and effort channeled through the MBG program.
- The Perspective Shift: Parta stressed the urgency to change society’s perspective: “Food isn’t just about satiety. It must provide benefits for the body. Therefore, we must change our perspective, the way we cook, and the way we educate children about food.”
- The Dual Mandate: The government provides the food (MBG), but the family must provide the healthy lifestyle and education. Failure in the latter will neutralize success in the former.
BGN’s View: Long-Term Human Resource Investment
Alwin Supriyadi, a representative from the National Nutrition Agency (BGN), reinforced the strategic importance of the initiative, viewing the MBG program as an important breakthrough designed to ensure every Indonesian child has the opportunity to grow optimally.
- Investment Perspective: Providing adequate nutrition from an early age is considered a long-term investment that is crucial to determining the quality of Indonesia’s future human resources.
- “This program is not just about providing food. It’s about developing healthy individuals who are ready to contribute. When nutritional needs are met, children’s potential will develop optimally,” he emphasized.
A National Movement
Through the MBG program, the government targets a significant reduction in stunting rates and an improvement in the quality of public health.
The program is expected to provide a strong foundation for developing a healthy, intelligent generation of Indonesians who are able to compete globally. The government ensures that this program is not just a temporary intervention, but a national movement that instills awareness of the importance of nutrition as a pillar of human development. The success of this national policy now rests squarely on the dinner table.
The Editorial Team
