MBG Program Results, BGN Boss Claims Dongkrak Student Attendance And Pacu IQ Rise

Head of the National Nutrition Agency (BGN) Dadan Hindayana. (Photo: BPMI Setpres)

JAKARTA - Head of the National Nutrition Agency (BGN), Dadan Hindayana, said that the Free Nutrition Food Program (MBG) began to have a positive impact on the field. One indicator that is clearly visible is the increase in the level of student attendance in schools.

"In the first case, this is a long-term investment that we have seen and the easiest is the level of attendance. The presence of these students has increased sharply with this program. The average was 70-75 percent, now at least 95 percent", he said in NgobrolIndonesia which was broadcast online, Thursday, August 14.

In addition to attendance, reports from the regions also show that students are more enthusiastic and active in following lessons since the existence of this program. Several Nutrition Fulfillment Service Units (SPPG) have even conducted an initial evaluation.

"Tapi ada satu SPPG yang sudah 1.5 melakukan evaluasi yaitu di Warung Kiara Sukabumi, Jawa Barat, sudah menunjukkan yang bagus. Jadi, misalnya ada peningkatan kandungan hijaumen semenuh dari kondisi tubuhnya melalui tes spiridinum," ungkap Dadan.

"Then there is an anthropometric test as well as weight gain, too thin body loss, there is a high increase and so on we have measured it," he continued.

However, the overall results of the MBG Program, continued Dadan, will take time. The plan is that BGN will involve an independent institution next year, so that the results are more objective.

According to Dadan, this program is a long-term investment. The benefits are only seen in the next 5 years. One of them is expected to increase the average IQ of the Indonesian people.

"For example, pregnant women and toddlers have a stunting test, there is an anthropometric test. But in the long term we already know this is the average IQ, there is a figure of 78 up 92. We hope that in the next 5 years, maybe our average IQ will increase," he hoped.

In addition, the presence of the MBG Program aims to improve the quality and productivity of the workforce in future generations. Therefore, said Dadan, nutrition needs to be given from pregnancy to completing school.

"We want to help those who are currently in the womb, those who are still toddlers, kindergarten, elementary, high school, and in the next 20 years, they will become productive workers. We provide nutrition from now on, in 20 years they will become productive workers with good quality," he said.