Free Nutritious Meals Program as Foundation for Stunting-Free Indonesia: Cabinet Secretary Says

Cabinet Secretary Teddy Indra Wijaya has a discussion with Minister of Population and Family Development /Head of the National Population and Family Planning Board (BKKBN) Wihaji at the Cabinet Secretariat Building, Thursday (11/20). (Photo by: Special)

Cabinet Secretary Teddy Indra Wijaya Thursday (11/20) met with Minister of Population and Family Development /Head of the National Population and Family Planning Board (BKKBN) Wihaji at the Cabinet Secretariat Building.

During the meeting, they discussed achievements of the institution after one year, including the implementation of the Government’s signature program Free Nutritious Meals (MBG), especially for pregnant women, breastfeeding mothers, and toddlers not enrolled in early childhood education (PAUD), referred to as ‘Special MBG Category 3B’.

“Minister Wihaji’s explanation hade me it clear to me that the MBG program is much more than a food distribution initiative. It serves as a crucial foundation to ensure that Indonesian children grow up healthy and free from the threat of stunting,” said Teddy.

He also revealed that the Government, through the BKKBN, mobilizes approximately 600,000 family assistance teams (TPK) to distribute MBG category 3B from house to house.

“This initiative is part of President Prabowo’s commitment to eradicating stunting in Indonesia, implemented through the real work of family assistants by going door to door,” Teddy said.

Wihaji reported that the Special MBG Category 3B program is part of the Government’s efforts to ensure sufficient and balanced nutrition for Indonesian children starting from the womb.

“This reflects the President’s commitment to ensuring children receive proper nutrition from birth, which is referred to as the first thousand days of life. This period is a golden window that shapes a child’s future. Adequate and balanced nutrition during this period enables children to grow up healthy, intelligent, and free from stunting,” said Wihaji. (UN) (EST/EP)