Jakarta, July 19, 2025 — The National Nutrition Agency (Badan Gizi Nasional, BGN) is advocating for nutrition education to be integrated into the national school curriculum. This proposal has already been submitted to the Ministry of Primary and Secondary Education (Kemendikdasmen).
The primary goal of this initiative is to foster a generation of Indonesians who are healthy, intelligent, and globally competitive. According to Ikeu Tanziha, a member of BGN’s Nutrition Expert Council, structured and integrated nutrition education within the school environment is crucial for building a comprehensive understanding of nutrition from an early age.
“Nutrition is not just about food—it’s about the future. A child who understands nutrition will grow up healthy, think critically, and contribute meaningfully to the nation,” Ikeu stated on Saturday (July 19).
She emphasized that schools serve as ideal educational platforms for systematically imparting nutritional knowledge. Early nutrition education helps students grasp the interconnections between diet, health, and overall well-being, while encouraging them to make healthier lifestyle choices.
The proposed curriculum would introduce students to essential topics such as basic nutritional concepts, food group classification and portioning, the role of nutrients in bodily functions, and the adverse effects of unhealthy eating habits.
Moreover, nutrition education enhances students’ awareness of the importance of a balanced diet and equips them to make informed dietary decisions. It also plays a vital role in preventing diet-related illnesses such as obesity and diabetes.
“Students would also acquire practical skills such as cooking and gardening—skills that can be directly applied in their daily lives,” Ikeu added.
Integrating nutrition education into the school curriculum is expected to create a synergistic relationship between schools, families, and communities, reinforcing the message of balanced nutrition across all segments of society.
Most importantly, Ikeu stressed that nutrition education equips students with the knowledge and skills to lead healthy lives, supports disease prevention efforts, and contributes to improving overall quality of life in the future.
As the agency responsible for implementing national nutrition programs, BGN has undertaken various educational initiatives, including: social media outreach via YouTube podcasts, and promotional videos set in kitchens, schools, markets, and other sites relevant to the Free Nutritious Meals (MBG) Program.
BGN also calls on all stakeholders—government bodies, schools, parents, media, and the wider public—to support the integration of nutrition education into the school curriculum as part of the national movement toward realizing Indonesia’s Golden Generation 2045.
“The Free Nutritious Meals Program will reach its full potential only when paired with comprehensive nutrition education that resonates across all levels of society,” Ikeu concluded.
