"MBG is one of the fulfillments of human rights needs that the state must provide to its citizens in order to have a well-fed, healthy, and intelligent population," Pigai said in a statement here.
He explained that the MBG program has been developed with sincerity to improve the welfare of the community. The program aligns with Indonesia's vision of Golden Indonesia by 2045, which requires high-quality and competent human resources.
The ministry is committed to monitoring the MBG implementation to ensure it runs smoothly. Since January 2025, the ministry's regional offices have been monitoring the program in various locations.
Pigai explained that from January 13-15, 2025, the ministry's regional office in Riau monitored the MBG implementation in Tuah Madani Sub-district, Pekanbaru City.
From this monitoring, it was recorded that 3,010 students from eight schools in Tuah Madani Sub-district received meals provided by the local MBG kitchen.
Meanwhile, the ministry's regional office in Gorontalo inspected the MBG implementation on January 16 in the Islamic elementary school Al-Islah Gorontalo.
During the monitoring, the office ensured that children from underprivileged families received adequate nutrition to support their physical growth and intellectual development from MBG.
"This monitoring series ensures that the food provided is nutritious and beneficial for children's growth and development," Pigai added.
Research by the National Research and Innovation Agency (BRIN) supports these claims, showing that the program enhances students' concentration and cognitive abilities.
A study in Medan, North Sumatra, also linked MBG to improved student motivation, attendance, and classroom focus.
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Translator: Fath, Kenzu
Editor: Primayanti
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