Academic: Humanistic and Creative Communication Key to Free Nutritious Meal Programme Acceptance Among Children

Jakarta - Syurya M. Nur, a lecturer in communication science at Esa Unggul University, has stated that humanistic and creative communication is the key to ensuring that the Free Nutritious Meal Programme (MBG) is accepted by children.

“The approach must be humanistic and humorous, and even creative, like what the officers from the Nutritional Fulfilment Service Unit (SPPG) have already done by wearing superhero costumes, so that children not only receive food but also look forward to it,” said Syurya during a podcast session with the National Nutrition Agency (BGN) held in Jakarta on Monday.

Syurya also believes that the MBG menu needs to be adapted to children’s tastes without sacrificing nutritional value. Children can be given space to communicate their food preferences, whilst the kitchen staff maintain selection standards to ensure nutritional needs are met.

He also emphasised the importance of a persuasive approach in nutrition education, where teachers play a role in helping children understand the benefits of healthy food, for example introducing fish to children who previously disliked such food.

According to him, when children feel happy, healthy, and their nutritional needs are met, the broader objective of producing an outstanding generation in the future will be more easily achieved.

In addition to creative communication strategies, Syurya continued, the element of oversight also plays a significant role in the success of the MBG Programme. He believes the programme is often perceived negatively because of unbalanced media framing, yet there are many positive aspects that need to be highlighted.

Therefore, he encourages the National Nutrition Agency to make greater use of social media and direct field engagement to build public trust. According to him, government policy must be communicated consistently through news reporting, education, and community involvement.