Jakarta, August 8, 2025 — Indonesia’s 80th Independence Day is more than a ceremonial milestone. It is a reminder of the nation’s highest ideals: that true independence means not only freedom from colonial rule, but also freedom from hunger, ignorance, and underdevelopment.
It is in this spirit that the Free Nutritious Meals (MBG) program was launched, representing a tangible form of independence in the realm of nutrition. Far from being merely a food aid initiative, the program is an investment in the nation’s future — particularly in the well-being and potential of Indonesia’s children.
“With every plate of nutritious food, the state is present — in classrooms, in the kitchens of the Nutritional Fulfillment Service Units, and in the hearts of our people,” said Noudhy Valdryno, Deputy for Dissemination and Media Information, in Jakarta on Friday (Aug. 8).
Through MBG, said Valdryno — known familiarly as Ryno — millions of schoolchildren, pregnant women, breastfeeding mothers, and toddlers across the country now receive nutritious meals every day. The program not only improves children’s concentration and academic performance, but also supports their physical growth and brain development. Over the long term, MBG is envisioned as a foundation for building an exceptional generation in pursuit of Indonesia Emas 2045 — the nation’s centennial vision of prosperity.
Ryno emphasized that MBG is one of the most effective long-term investments the Indonesian people can make, and it has earned recognition from international organizations. “The School Meals Coalition has said this program is exactly what countries like Indonesia need,” he noted.
To date, MBG has reached eight million beneficiaries, including students from early childhood education centers through high schools across Indonesia, pregnant women registered with health services, and toddlers enrolled in the national Posyandu community health program.
On the program’s impact, Ikeu Tanziha, an expert with the National Nutrition Council (BGN), said MBG is already showing measurable benefits. Among them is an increase in Body Mass Index (BMI) among children and adolescents in several participating regions.
“Monitoring over 15 weeks of implementation in Bogor City showed an improvement in average age-adjusted BMI. We saw similar results in Aceh, where elementary school students receiving MBG showed better nutritional status,” Ikeu said.
Ikeu added that MBG has also improved classroom concentration, echoing findings from the National Research and Innovation Agency (BRIN), which noted that the program enhanced students’ focus and cognitive abilities.
The data, collected from areas including Bogor and Papua, show particular benefits for students who previously skipped breakfast. A study at SMK Negeri 6 Medan found that MBG significantly increased student attendance motivation and learning focus.
Beyond its health and education outcomes, MBG is also driving economic activity. It has created new jobs through the kitchens of the Nutritional Fulfillment Service Units (SPPG) and empowered small businesses and village-owned enterprises (BUMDes) that supply program ingredients.
One example is Suratina, a 63-year-old grandmother who works at the SPPG kitchen in Seyegan 01, Sleman, Yogyakarta Special Region. She says she is grateful for the work — not only for the income that supports her daily needs, but also for the friendships she has built in the kitchen.
“It reminds me of my own grandchildren at home,” said the grandmother of five. “It’s like preparing lunch for them all over again.”
