Indonesia’s Free Nutritious Meals (MBG) program, launched January 6, 2025, has reached 3.2 million beneficiaries, including pregnant women, breastfeeding mothers, and children under five, according to Population and Family Development Minister Wihaji.
Program Implementation and Logistics
The program relies on a network of 51,000 family assistance teams who deliver meals daily. The Ministry of Population and Family Development is working with the National Nutrition Agency (BGN) to ensure these teams adhere to standard operating procedures. This collaboration comes after an incident where a team member transferred meals into plastic bags to protect them from rain.
To support those delivering the meals, the BGN has issued guidelines for a transport reimbursement of Rp1,000 (approximately US$0.059) per package. While not yet universally implemented, Minister Wihaji has urged all Nutritional Fulfillment Service Units (SPPG) or MBG kitchens to adopt this standard.
Addressing Underlying Issues
Minister Wihaji emphasized that improving nutrition is only one aspect of addressing stunting. He stated that factors such as lack of clean water, poor sanitation, and early marriage also contribute to the problem. Therefore, education on preventing early marriage is considered a crucial component of the MBG program’s success.
Related reporting indicates potential future expansion of the program to include elderly and disabled individuals in 2026, as well as adjustments to support price stability during Ramadan. There have also been calls for a child-friendly approach to the program’s implementation.
Frequently Asked Questions
What groups are currently targeted by the MBG program?
The program specifically targets pregnant women, breastfeeding mothers, children under five, and schoolchildren up to the high school level.
What is being done to ensure proper meal delivery?
The Ministry of Population and Family Development is collaborating with the National Nutrition Agency to educate family assistance teams on standard operating procedures.
What steps are being taken to address the causes of stunting beyond nutrition?
The minister pointed out that education on preventing early marriage is a key component, alongside addressing issues of clean water and sanitation.
How might the success of this program influence future social welfare initiatives in Indonesia?
