Experts Say Fish Milk To Kelor Leaves Can't Change The Benefits Of Milk In The MBG Program

Jakarta - Milk has an important role in supporting children's growth and development, especially during growth times that require complete nutritional intake. As a source of calcium, protein, and essential vitamins, milk not only helps build strong bones but also supports brain development.

Therefore, the government through the Free Nutrition Food (MBG) program seeks to improve the nutritional quality of Indonesian children from an early age.

This MBG program is designed to meet children's nutritional needs, focusing on certain age groups. This initiative aims to create a healthier and smarter superior generation.

However, its implementation in the community raises various responses, including debate about the importance of milk as part of the program menu.

At the start of the launch, milk was designated as a mandatory component in the MBG program. However, in its implementation, there are variations in several regions. Some schools include milk in the daily menu, while others choose alternatives such as kelor leaves or fish milk as a source of protein. This difference raises questions about program consistency and effectiveness of milk substitutes in meeting children's nutritional needs.

The discrepancies in the implementation and initial design can be traced from various discourses that arise to replace milk before the MBG implementation.

According to Prof. Dr. Tria Astika Endah, a nutritionist from Muhammadiyah University in Jakarta, replaces milk with other sources of protein that are not appropriate because the nutritional value of milk is difficult to match.

"Susu (animals) contain various important nutrients such as calcium, phosphorus, protein, and essential fatty acids (omega 3 and 6) that support the growth and optimal development of children," said Prof. Tria in a press conference entitled The Important Role of Milk in Free Nutrition Eating, in Jakarta, Wednesday, January 15, 2025.

He also emphasized that milk has unique benefits that cannot be completely replaced by other foodstuffs, both vegetable and animal.

Furthermore, Prof. Tria explains that calcium and phosphorus in milk play an important role in the formation of strong bones and teeth. In addition, milk also contains omega 3, omega 6, and DHA which supports the development of the child's brain. This combination of nutrients makes milk an ideal nutritional component for children during growth.

Apart from being rich in nutrients, milk is also a source of protein that students like. Therefore, Prof. Tria said milk is an important component in being able to realize Indonesia's vision of Gold in 2045.

"Susu is a delicious nutritional-rich food, giving important value to free nutritious food at school, healthy and generally liked by students," Tria said.

In line with that, dr. Huminsa Ranto Morison Panjaitan, Sp.A, a pediatrician, emphasized that milk is a source of nutrition that is very beneficial for children's growth and development.

"In addition to calcium, protein, and vitamin D, milk also contains other essential nutrients to support health as a whole," he said.

According to him, regular milk consumption can help children achieve optimal growth potential. Through a consistent and scientific evidence-based approach, the benefits of milk in the MBG program not only provide short-term benefits but also support the growth of the nation's strong and intelligent next generation.