Specialist Doctor Explains the Importance of MBG as the Key to the Quality of Indonesian Human Resources Gold 2045

JAKARTA - In line with the vision of Indonesia's Gold 2045, the quality of the population is the main stake. With a population of more than 282 million people, the major challenges facing the Indonesian nation are not just numbers, but how to create a demographic bonus that is superior in both physical and cognitive terms. One of the government's flagship programs, Free Nutritious Meals, is the initial foundation for building the quality of Indonesian children's human resources through nutritional intervention.

Specialist doctor and health educator, dr. Andi Khomeini Takdir, Sp.PD or who is familiarly called dr. Koko, emphasized his support for the Free Nutritious Meal (MBG) program. He assessed this program as a concrete step by the government in meeting national nutritional adequacy.

"The demographic bonus is not only about the number of people, but also their quality. The government's efforts to provide adequate nutrition are good, and from the beginning I have always supported it," said Dr. Koko.

Dr. Koko's statement is in line with the findings of Poltracking Indonesia in its latest survey. Survey results show that the MBG program is one of the government programs that receives the highest public expectations and support. The public sees this program as a real solution for middle- and lower-income families to ensure the nutritional needs of their children, at least once a day.

Simple but with a Big Impact

Interestingly, Dr. Koko emphasized that nutritional fulfillment does not have to be complicated. He suggested that the governance of the program should remain accountable, but simple in presentation.

"Back to basics. Rice, fish, vegetables, eggs, or chicken suir is enough. Don't make it complicated. Children who regularly consume MBG will be trained in their tongue (taste education) so that they don't become picky eaters," he explained.

Data from the Research Institute of Socio-Economic Development (RISED) reinforces this point. The RISED survey shows that about 80% of parents report improvements in children's eating patterns after the MBG program. In addition, by introducing vegetables and fruits from an early age, children become more accustomed to eating vegetables and protein, which in the long run according to Dr. Koko, will be very effective in reducing the risk of non-communicable diseases such as diabetes and obesity early.

Despite having a wide impact and benefits, Dr. Koko realized that this program still needs input and improvement. As a massive program that feeds millions of people, Dr. Koko is aware of technical constraints in the field. However, he invites the public to see it as a big process that needs to be accompanied together.

"We will process; not immediately this program is 100 percent good. The role of the community is to maintain it. If there are inputs or criticisms about delays or menu quality, the manager should not 'burn his beard'. Criticism is not hostility, but material for evaluation so that there is continuous improvement," he added.

Hope for Sustainability

Although the budget per portion may be limited, Dr. Koko believes that the impact will be felt cumulatively. "Moreover, this is an accumulation, every day for months, years. The impact is definitely there rather than not at all."

Dr. Koko also added that this program should be maintained. With collaboration between the Nutrition Food Service Unit (SPPG), the government, and community supervision, Free Nutrition Meals are expected to be a driving force for the birth of a healthier, smarter, and more resilient generation of Indonesians in 2045.