Headline: Palembang‘s "Makan Bergizi Gratis" Program: A Balanced Diet for School Children
Subheadline: Local dietitian association chair praises menu sustainability and balance while highlighting the importance of adequate portion sizes.
Article:
In a recent development, the Chair of the Association of Dietitians of Indonesia (AsDI) in South Sumatra, Yenita, has commended the Palembang city government’s "Makan Bergizi Gratis" (MBG) program for its balanced and nutrient-rich menu. The program, aimed at providing free nutrition-standards/nslp-meal-pattern” title=”National School Lunch Program Meal Pattern”>school meals to students from kindergarten to junior high school, has seen an increased budget per serving, from IDR 6,000 to IDR 8,000, to ensure adequate nutrition for the young beneficiaries.
Yenita, a renowned dietitian in the region, lauded the program’s menu for its balanced composition, comprising essential nutrients from carbohydrates, proteins, vitamins, and minerals. She shared, "The menu’s nutritional balance has been achieved, with an appropriate mix of energy-giving carbohydrates, protein-rich foods, and vitamin and mineral-packed fruits and vegetables."
The dietitian also addressed the decision to remove variant types of milk due to the availability of alternative protein sources. She suggested that if milk were to be reintroduced, it would further enrich the nutritional profile of the meals.
While appreciative of the current menu’s nutritional content, Yenita cautioned that portion sizes should ideally meet at least 30% of a student’s daily nutritional requirements. She explained the ideal daily meal structure: 30% for breakfast, 5% for a morning snack, 30% for lunch, 5% for an afternoon snack, and another 30% for dinner.
Supporting Yenita’s stance, a nutrition specialist from RSUP dr. Mohammad Hoesin Hospital in Palembang echoed the importance of adequate portion sizes. They stressed that the MBG program could meet the 30% daily nutritional requirement for lunchtime, with portion sizes varying based on the students’ age group and respective schools.
Regarding the budget allocated per meal, which stands at IDR 8,000 for kindergarten and primary school students, and IDR 10,000 for junior high school students, the nutrition specialist acknowledged the limitations in meal variety. They emphasized the need for creative meal planning to maximize nutritional value within the given budget.
The MBG program’s success lies in its commitment to providing well-balanced meals that cater to the growth and development needs of Palembang’s schoolchildren. With the continued support and guidance from local dietitians and nutrition experts, the program is set to make a significant, positive impact on the students’ health and well-being.
Source: desk, Palembang (8/1/2025)
