BGN: Main goal of MBG programme is to change public mindset on nutrition

Jakarta (ANTARA) - The National Nutrition Agency (BGN) has emphasised that the main goal of the Free Nutritious Meals (MBG) programme is to change public mindsets about nutrition, rather than simply providing food to beneficiaries.

“It must be instilled that all Indonesian children have the right to nutritious food. However, in its implementation, because it involves partners, we cannot immediately prioritise certain groups alone. Therefore, at present, we are ready to operationalise around 900 Nutrition Fulfilment Service Units (SPPG) in remote areas,” said Deputy Head of BGN Sony Sonjaya when contacted in Jakarta on Friday.

He stated that this was in response to President Prabowo Subianto’s order for MBG to focus on malnourished children.

He emphasised that BGN has reminded all partners and SPPG that before targeting students, nutritional intake should first target vulnerable groups, namely pregnant mothers, breastfeeding mothers, and toddlers.

Every morning, he said, from Aceh to Papua, from villages to metropolises, the public is beginning to understand that food for children must be balanced and nutritious.

“It must be complete with carbohydrates, protein, fibre, and vitamins. What was previously considered by only a small portion of people is now almost the entire Indonesian society paying attention to what their children eat,” he said.

Over the one year that the MBG programme has been running, he also said there has been effective direct community involvement, even accelerating its impact.

“Children are benefiting more and more, and most importantly, local economies are growing,” Sony said.