“The MBG program is aligned with the 17 SDGs, including the goal of ending hunger,” he said at an SDG-related awarding ceremony in Jakarta on Wednesday.
He noted that as a national flagship program that supports sustainable development, MBG must be implemented by prioritizing locally sourced food ingredients, reducing food waste and empowering local communities through production and distribution activities.
The minister added that the MBG program is part of President Prabowo Subianto’s broader efforts to improve the quality and competitiveness of Indonesia’s human resources.
“The government is working to reduce hunger, educate the nation and help people maintain their health,” he said.
Pambudy stressed the importance of advancing the nutrition-focused program alongside initiatives aimed at strengthening the health and education sectors to ensure Indonesia can develop high-quality human resources.
“It is essential that we provide free nutritious meals while also supporting education and health programs,” he said, reaffirming the government’s commitment to meeting citizens’ basic needs.
He added that maintaining both the physical and mental health of the population is crucial for Indonesia to progress with capable and healthy human resources.
President Prabowo sees the MBG program as a strategic tool to support the Golden Indonesia 2045 vision and his eight core missions, or Asta Cita, not only by improving nutrition but also by stimulating local economic activity.
Since its launch on January 6 this year, the program has reached about 44 million citizens nationwide, including schoolchildren, toddlers, breastfeeding mothers and pregnant women, moving toward the target of 82.9 million beneficiaries by March 2026.
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Translator: Lintang B, Tegar Nurfitra
Editor: Primayanti
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