BGN Gathers Input on Impact of Free Nutritious Meals Programme on Orphans

Deputy Chair of the National Nutrition Agency (BGN), Nanik S Deyang, spent the fourth day of Eid hosting a warm gathering with hundreds of orphaned children in Madiun Regency and surrounding areas in East Java. The event served as a platform to absorb aspirations regarding the impact of the Free Nutritious Meals (MBG) programme at the grassroots level. Attendees included Chrisindo Reformanda, Chair of the Health and Drug Prevention Division of the Central Executive Board of the Indonesian Christian Youth Movement (GAMKI), and Abang Ijo Hapidin, Deputy Regent of Purwakarta, along with his family, to share in the joy. Nanik expressed her gratitude after directly observing the conditions of the orphaned children, whether living in Islamic boarding schools, orphanages, or independently managed by village authorities. Based on their testimonies, all the children present reported experiencing tangible benefits from the MBG programme. “Praise be to God, they have all received MBG. They are very happy with this programme. Even when I spontaneously asked if the programme could be stopped, they unanimously replied, ‘No,’” said Nanik. According to her, the programme is not merely about fulfilling nutritional intake but represents the state’s presence for orphaned children and the underprivileged who need daily nutritional certainty. Chrisindo Reformanda viewed the children’s spontaneous response to the nutritional intervention programme as an authentic initial indicator reflecting positive societal acceptance. Although observational, he noted, these testimonies signal that government policies are beginning to have a real impact on children’s daily lives. “Moving forward, this approach needs to be strengthened with quantitative data and measurable evaluations to serve as the basis for more comprehensive and sustainable policies,” explained Chrisindo. He stated that in this context, the strategic steps initiated by BGN demonstrate a policy direction that is increasingly structured and results-oriented. “This systematic and integrated approach forms an important foundation in ensuring that nutritional interventions are not only short-term but also sustainable and broadly impactful,” he said. He emphasised the commitment of President Prabowo Subianto’s leadership in prioritising nutrition issues as a national priority, showing the state’s seriousness in building human resource quality from an early age. “This policy not only addresses health issues but also serves as a strategic investment in strengthening the resilience of Indonesia’s young generation,” he revealed. Furthermore, he urged society to adopt a broader perspective that nutritional interventions have strategic implications in reducing social vulnerabilities, including the potential for drug abuse at a young age. “Therefore, more holistic policy integration is needed across health, education, and drug prevention sectors to optimise and sustain the impacts,” stated Chrisindo. In addition to sharing Eid cheer, the event also distributed school supplies to support the children’s education ahead of the new school term.