Jakarta, July 23, 2025 — Indonesia’s National Children’s Day is more than just an annual celebration. President Prabowo Subianto wants the occasion to drive real, measurable action in securing the future of the nation’s children.
According to Dedek Prayudi, Senior Expert at the Presidential Communications Office (PCO), the government has launched three flagship programs that directly target the well-being of children: Nutritious Free Meals (Makan Bergizi Gratis/MBG), Free Health Checkups (Cek Kesehatan Gratis/CKG), and School Revitalization.
Known familiarly as Uki, Dedek explained that MBG is not just about keeping children full—it ensures they receive proper daily nutrition. According to data from the Ministry of Health, 60% of school-aged children—three out of five—go to school without eating breakfast.
As a result, many struggle to focus and tire quickly. Worse, skipping breakfast contributes to iron deficiency anemia, a condition that can cause IQ loss of six points or more, according to numerous child development and nutrition studies.
“Nearly 38% of school-aged children—almost two in five—suffer from anemia, which leaves them weak and unfocused,” said Uki in Jakarta on Wednesday (July 23). “MBG isn’t just about food—it’s about delivering essential nutrients like iron, which children need to grow up smart, strong, and confident.”
Alongside MBG, the government is rolling out Free Health Checkups for students. These include checks for height, weight, vision, hearing, tuberculosis, and mental health.
“Creating a golden generation isn’t just about serving nutritious meals. The state is fulfilling its constitutional mandate under Article 28(H), Paragraphs 1 and 3 of the 1945 Constitution, guaranteeing the right to health for all citizens, including children,” Uki said.
He emphasized the Constitution recognizes two types of health rights: the right to access healthcare services and the right to be healthy. The Free Health Checkup program is a concrete way for the government to protect public health.
“This initiative fulfills both rights—ensuring Indonesian citizens, including children, receive preventive care. CKG is about protection. It detects issues before they become diseases—free of charge,” he explained.
The third initiative targeting children is the School Revitalization Program, which will renovate 11,440 schools starting in early 2025. The focus is on public and private schools at all levels—elementary to high school, including special needs schools—in remote, underdeveloped, and densely populated urban areas lacking basic learning facilities.
President Prabowo has allocated approximately Rp 20 trillion in the 2025 national budget to fund the program. According to Uki, this move responds to the urgent need to address the alarming number of damaged schools across the country.
Current data shows there are around 119,700 schools nationwide with moderate to severe structural damage, including 19,925 classified as severely damaged and 99,800 with moderate damage.
“This program prioritizes the worst-off schools,” said Uki. “At some schools, even using the toilet has become a challenge. That’s the level of disrepair we’re talking about.”
He highlighted how such conditions are especially difficult for girls, many of whom are forced to hold in urine for hours during school hours due to a lack of proper facilities.
“This is not just a safety issue—it’s a matter of dignity and health. A school building is not just a place to sit and learn; it must provide a safe, sanitary environment,” Uki concluded.
