Tangerang, Banten (ANTARA) - The Free Nutritious Meals (MBG) program is developed and carried out by prioritizing calorie fulfillment, nutritional balance, hygiene, and food safety, according to an expert staff member of the National Nutrition Agency (BGN), Erin Andriyanto."Through MBG, we hope to create a healthy, intelligent, and excellent generation, which is the foundation of the 2045 Golden Indonesia Generation," he said in a dissemination of information on MBG in Serang, Banten, on Sunday.
He explained that the meals provided are not only filling but must also meet the nutritional needs of children. To this end, the program implementation in Serang is deemed concrete proof of synergy between the central government, regional government, and the community in ensuring equitable and sustainable nutritional fulfillment.
A member of Commission IX of the House of Representatives (DPR), Tubagus Haerul Jaman, added that the MBG program is aimed at tackling nutritional issues in Indonesia. He emphasized the importance of the community's understanding of the MBG program.
"Nutritional interventions during the growth period are crucial for the quality of human resources. Thus, MBG is expected to become the foundation of the emergence of the 2045 Golden Generation," he remarked.
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Jaman further said that Banten Province currently has 276 nutritional fulfillment service units (SPPG), which provide food for the free meals program.
"This reflects the government's seriousness in expanding the community's access to nutritious food," he said.
The MBG program was launched on January 6, 2025, as one of the main initiatives of President Prabowo Subianto and Vice President Gibran Rakabuming Raka for their 2024–2029 term.
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Through the program, the government aims to improve the nutritional status of children under five, pregnant women, breastfeeding mothers, and schoolchildren up to the high school level.
President Prabowo has earlier highlighted his commitment to continue the MBG program with an allocated budget of Rp335 trillion (approximately US$20.12 billion) in the 2026 draft state budget.
