Minister of Education and Culture Emphasizes MBG as Indonesia's Future Investment

JAKARTA - The Minister of Basic and Secondary Education (Mendikdasmen) of the Republic of Indonesia, Abdul Mu'ti, stated that the Free Nutritious Meal (MBG) program is an investment for Indonesia's future.

"The strong generation of Indonesia's Gold 2045 is those who are currently still studying in TK, SD, SMP, and SMA to children who are still in the womb or pregnant mothers," said Abdul Mu'ti accompanied by the Deputy Governor of North Sumatra Surya after the inauguration of the Nutrition Fulfillment Service Unit (SPPG) of the University of Muhammadiyah North Sumatra (UMSU) at Campus IV UMSU, Percut Seituan, Deli Serang, North Sumatra, quoted by Antara, Tuesday, February 17.

The Minister of Education and Culture said that many studies showed that human development was determined by three stages.

The first stage is the period in the womb. The second is the golden age, from birth to five years of age. The third is the period of growth and development.

"Those are important times. That's where nutrition is needed. When MBG targets breastfeeding mothers and pregnant women, the golden age is in that time. This is an extraordinary investment," said Abdul Mu'ti.

The Deputy Governor of North Sumatra Surya invited all parties concerned to expand the service of free nutritious meals to target toddlers and pregnant women.

According to Surya, the quality of a region in the next 10 to 20 years is not determined by what is built today.

"But how our children grow. Today a healthy child will learn better, a child with enough nutrition will think stronger, and a strong generation builds a strong nation. This is the essence of the MBG program," he said.

Surya also invited all parties to jointly do three things, namely using their own local food, so that the economic benefits return to the community.

Second, he continued, maintaining the quality of food so that children are not only full, but also healthy. Third, carry out joint supervision openly and sustainably, and finally accelerate the development of SPPG throughout North Sumatra.

Because, said Surya, the MBG program is in line with the direction of regional development, namely the collaboration of North Sumatra Blessing towards a superior, advanced, and sustainable North Sumatra.

"Superior is not only about infrastructure, and not only about the economy. Therefore, the nutrition fulfillment program is an investment in the development of education, health, and also the economy," said Surya.