Indonesia’s Makan Bergizi Gratis (MBG) programme, a flagship initiative providing free nutritious meals, is reportedly having a positive impact on children’s health and school engagement, according to the head of the National Nutrition Agency (BGN).
Improved Health and School Participation
Agency chief Dadan Hindayana stated that children are “more enthusiastic about going to school” and “more eager to take part in school activities” as a result of the MBG programme. He also noted improvements in the overall health of children participating in the scheme.
The programme currently benefits over 58 million people across Indonesia, including pregnant and breastfeeding mothers, infants, and students from pre-school through senior high school.
The Role of Family Support
Despite the positive results, Hindayana cautioned that the long-term success of the MBG programme hinges on families providing continued nutritional support at home. He warned that without this support, the programme’s impact could be limited.
Hindayana pointed to common dietary practices as a potential obstacle, noting that parents “often feed their children whatever satisfies them,” such as rice with instant noodles, which he identified as lacking adequate nutritional value. He emphasized the importance of meals containing balanced nutrients – sufficient energy, protein, fat, and fibre – to support healthy growth.
Future Plans and Logistical Challenges
To bolster the programme’s effectiveness, the government intends to launch a public education campaign focused on proper nutrition and the dietary needs of children at different stages of development. Officials plan to “create a new programme to help residents understand the MBG policy,” though details remain limited.
The BGN is also prioritizing logistical challenges in remote areas to ensure that food packages reach all children across the archipelago. Hindayana stated, “No one will be left behind.”
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Makan Bergizi Gratis (MBG) programme?
The Makan Bergizi Gratis (MBG) programme is Indonesia’s flagship initiative providing free nutritious meals to over 58 million beneficiaries nationwide, including students, pregnant mothers, and infants.
What concerns has the head of the BGN expressed?
Dadan Hindayana has warned that the programme’s success depends on families continuing to provide nutritional support at home, and expressed concern that unbalanced diets, such as those including rice with instant noodles, could undermine the programme’s benefits.
What are the government’s next steps regarding the MBG programme?
The government plans to step up public education to raise awareness of proper nutrition and is committed to optimizing its budget to ensure food packages reach children across Indonesia, particularly in remote areas.
How might community-level education initiatives best complement national programs like MBG to ensure lasting improvements in childhood nutrition?
