BGN Head: MBG Menu Adjusted to Local Wisdom
- FMB9
Jakarta, VIVA – The Free Nutritious Meal Program (MBG) continues to deliver tangible results in improving the nutrition and health of Indonesian children. Head of the National Nutrition Agency (BGN), Dadan Hindayana, emphasized that the program is a vital pillar in shaping a healthy generation for the future.
According to Dadan, MBG’s success is not only seen in the number of beneficiaries but also in the changes in eating habits and health among children in various regions. He noted that positive results have begun to emerge since the program’s implementation.
He made this statement during the Forum Merdeka Barat 9 (FMB9) discussion themed “One Plate of Free Nutritious Meals, a Million Hopes” on Thursday (Aug 14, 2025). “We started with a target of 500 Nutrition Implementation Units (SPG), but today the number has increased more than tenfold,” he said.
“Alhamdulillah, the impact is felt directly in schools. Children are more enthusiastic, attendance rates have increased, and their health shows improvement,” Dadan added.
He explained that MBG’s nutritional standards are balanced—30 percent protein, 40 percent carbohydrates, and 30 percent fiber—based on children’s caloric needs. Menus are also adapted to local wisdom and children’s tastes in each region.
“In Sukabumi, for example, children love beef the most. In Banten, catfish is their favorite. This way, children eat happily, and food is not wasted,” he explained.
Field data shows that student attendance has risen from 70 percent to 95 percent since MBG was implemented. Research at one SPG over a year also showed improved body weight and a decrease in malnutrition cases.
“This is a long-term process, but the signs of success are already visible. We will also involve independent institutions for a comprehensive evaluation,” said Dadan.
BGN has also set distribution strategies by dividing areas into agglomeration zones and underdeveloped, frontier, and outermost (3T) regions. Currently, out of 5,305 active SPGs, thousands of beneficiaries are still undergoing verification.
Concluding his remarks, Dadan stressed that MBG is not only about nutrition but also about boosting the local economy. “It’s not just about feeding children, but also ensuring our farmers prosper, our fishermen have a market, and our food supply is secure,” he said.
