The Ministry of Basic and Secondary Education (Kemendikdasmen),\nthrough its Centre for Character Strengthening, has revealed that the\nFree Nutritious Meals (MBG) programme is showing a positive impact on\nimproving student focus. The programme has proven capable of reducing\nconcentration disruptions caused by hunger, whilst strengthening\nstudents\u2019 readiness to engage in learning at school.<\/p>\n
The findings are based on evaluation survey results integrated within\nthe framework of the Seven Habits of Great Indonesian Children (7KAIH).\nOne of the habits within the programme is encouraging children to\nconsume healthy and nutritious food.<\/p>\n
Based on the 7KAIH implementation evaluation from the baseline period\nof May\u2013June 2025 through to the endline of November\u2013December 2025,\ninvolving 1,203,309 student respondents nationally, schools receiving\nMBG recorded an average reduction in hunger-related learning disruptions\nthat was 2.37 percentage points higher compared to schools that had not\nyet received the programme.<\/p>\n
In eastern Indonesia, the impact was recorded as more significant.\nThe reduction in hunger-related learning disruptions at MBG recipient\nschools reached 14.85 percentage points greater than at schools that had\nnot yet implemented the MBG programme.<\/p>\n
MBG is considered not only to meet students\u2019 basic needs but also to\nstrengthen their readiness to participate in learning. The data also\nindicates the MBG programme plays an important role in reducing\ninequality, particularly for children in eastern Indonesia, enabling\nthem to study with focus and obtain equal opportunities.<\/p>\n
In line with these findings, Minister of Basic and Secondary\nEducation Abdul Mu\u2019ti affirmed that MBG forms part of a long-term human\ndevelopment strategy.<\/p>\n
\u201cThe MBG programme launched by President Prabowo Subianto is a\nlong-term investment in Indonesia\u2019s human development. We are preparing\nthe 2045 generation \u2014 those who are currently still in early childhood\neducation, primary school, junior secondary, senior secondary, and even\nthose still in the womb \u2014 to grow up healthy, intelligent, and strong\nboth physically and mentally,\u201d said Abdul Mu\u2019ti in a written statement\non Thursday (19 February 2026).<\/p>\n
Meanwhile, Head of the Centre for Character Strengthening Rusprita\nPutri Utami explained that respondent selection was conducted using a\nsystematic sampling approach to ensure evaluation results reflected\nconditions on the ground.<\/p>\n
\u201cWe selected MBG-implementing schools randomly, ensuring they had\nadequate baseline and endline data. We then matched them with schools\nthat had not yet implemented MBG, with comparable levels, regions, and\nstudent numbers, so that initial data conditions were nearly identical\nand could be compared,\u201d Rusprita explained.<\/p>\n
\u201cThis approach strengthens the validity of results whilst ensuring\nevery policy recommendation is truly evidence-based,\u201d she added.<\/p>\n
The positive impact of the MBG programme has also been felt directly\nby educational institutions. The head of SD Negeri 24 Rufei in Sorong\nCity, Sientje Martentji Ajomi, disclosed that the presence of MBG has\nbrought tangible changes for students.<\/p>\n
\u201cWe have seen a major change in their enthusiasm for learning. The\nchildren are more focused in class, more active in asking questions, and\nmore cheerful throughout the day. Our hope is that this programme\ncontinues in order to supplement their nutritional intake,\u201d said\nSientje.<\/p>\n
Beyond supporting nutritional fulfilment, MBG also encourages the\nadoption of clean and healthy living behaviours through a culture of\nhandwashing with soap (CTPS). This practice has now developed into a\ncollective movement within school environments.<\/p>\n
Programme implementation is also complemented by a Character\nEducation Guidebook for the Free Nutritious Meals Programme and a\nNutritional Education Module for MBG, serving as school guides for\ninstilling character values, nutritional knowledge, and healthy living\nhabits.<\/p>\n
The Ministry considers MBG a manifestation of the nation\u2019s long-term\ninvestment in the quality of life of its children. By ensuring every\nchild receives proper nutritional intake at school, the government is\nnot only seeking to address hunger but also building the foundation of a\nhealthier, more intelligent, and more characterful generation.<\/p>", "url": "https:\/\/jawawa.id\/newsitem\/education-ministry-survey-reveals-free-nutritious-meals-programme-improves-student-focus-1771627774", "image": "" }, "sponsor": "Okusi Associates", "sponsor_url": "https:\/\/okusiassociates.com" }