BGN Chief Proposes Adding MBG Nutrition Education to School Curriculum

Jakarta, VIVA – National Nutrition Agency (BGN) chief Sudaryono has proposed integrating the Free Nutritious Meals (MBG) programme into the education curriculum. The move is intended to ensure that MBG not only provides nutritious food for pupils but also serves as a way to teach them about the importance of nutrition for their health.

“[We need to consider] how to make MBG, or nutrition education, part of our education curriculum,” Sudaryono said, according to a post on his Instagram account on Tuesday (27 October 2026).

Sudaryono cited physical and health education, which is already part of the school curriculum. He said nutrition education through MBG could be introduced in a similar way, as a subject taught to pupils.

“Just as sport is included in physical and health education lessons, there could be lessons about nutrition. It would not just be about eating, but also learning about nutrition,” he said.

He explained that nutrition education would cover the importance of carbohydrates, protein, fibre, vitamins and minerals for the body. Pupils would also learn about the benefits of each nutrient and the foods that provide them.

“They would be taught why people need to eat carbohydrates and why they are important; why people should eat vegetables and the importance of vitamins and minerals; and why protein is needed, including how much protein a person should consume,” he said.

The BGN chief said nutrition education should be included in the curriculum because there is currently no dedicated institution or forum where children can obtain information about nutrition.