Health Minister Budi Gunadi Sadikin said here on Wednesday that the initiative will start this year and next year. Sadikin stated that the checkup is necessary in order to collect scientific evidence of the national policy, as well as provide feedback to the National Nutrition Agency (BGN).
For example, the data can be used to give BGN insight on which menu has the best nutritional value, he said.
Moreover, his administration will also conduct the National Nutrition Survey (SSGI) in 2026, and it will also include a section that shows information, progress, and impact of MBG.
The survey used to be conducted annually due to the high prevalence of stunting. However, after the stunting rate declined, the survey was held once every two years, he explained.
The Health Ministry is committed to supporting MBG because by addressing nutritional issues, half of health issues can be prevented, Sadikin said. Among the diseases that can be prevented with good nutrition intake are stunting, congenital conditions, and maternal and infant death.
"Just like how many (serious) health issues can be resolved if environmental issues, like toilet, sanitation, air (quality), pollution, are resolved. But these are outside our authority," he said.
To improve the program, the ministry expressed readiness to collaborate with BGN, such as by tasking some 9,000 nutritionists and 8,800 sanitarians spread across the country to help with preparation and monitoring of the food preparation process.
The ministry also collaborates with the Elementary and Secondary Education Ministry to strengthen the school healthcare unit (UKS) so it provides education about nutrition and food safety.
Moreover, they aim to insert nutrition and food safety as a mandatory subject at school, so children are more aware of its importance.
The ministry, through the health office, will also facilitate the issuance of the Hygiene and Sanitation Certificate (SLHS), so the Nutrition Fulfillment Unit (SPPG) can obtain it more easily, since the government recently made the certification mandatory and it must be pursued in a month's time.
Sadikin also gave directives to health offices to aid BGN in monitoring the process.
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Reporter: Mecca Yumna Ning Prisie
Editor: Azis Kurmala
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