BGN Calls The Presence Of Milk In The Scientific Study-Based MBG Program

An elementary school student consumes fresh milk produced by local breeders in the Free Nutrition Food Program (MBG) in Cimahi, West Java. (Photo: Doc. ANTARA)

JAKARTA - The National Nutrition Agency (BGN) emphasized that the presence of milk in the Free Nutrition Food Program (MBG) was not a spontaneous decision, but the result of a proof-based scientific study.

The milk element is considered to be one of the important keys in ensuring the growth of Indonesian children.

This was conveyed by the Expert Team for the Milk Division of the National Nutrition Agency (BGN) as well as Professor of Milk Science and Technology, Faculty of Animal Husbandry, Bogor Agricultural University (IPB) Epi Taufik.

"The presence of milk in MBG is not a spontaneous decision, but the result of scientific studies and evidence-based policies," he said in an official statement, Sunday, October 12.

According to Epi, in all food guides (dietary guidance) in several countries such as Malaysia, Japan, China, including balanced nutrition guidelines known as the contents of the Piringku from the Indonesian Ministry of Health and the B2SA principle (various, nutritious, balanced and secure) from the Indonesian Badanas, all of which include milk (dairy) as an important part.

'Susu is a complete nutritional package containing 13 essential nutrients, such as protein, calcium, and vitamin D. This content is very important for school-age children to support bone growth, brain development, and body immunity," said Epi.

According to Epi, the age period of 9 to 12 years is the period of peak growth speed, where children experience an acceleration of height growth and an increase in energy needs.

The calcium content of daily food usually only meets 712 percent of daily needs. Additional milk helps cover the shortage so that child growth is optimal," he explained.

Meanwhile, the Head of the BGN Legal and Public Relations Bureau, Khairul Hidayati, emphasized that MBG not only has an impact on children's nutrition, but also has a chain economic effect.

With the provision that at least 20 percent of the content of fresh milk in every MBG product, continued Hida, this program opens a wide market for people's breeders throughout Indonesia.

The food in MBG is not only healthy for children, but also for the village economy. Local farmers now have a stable and sustainable market, "said Hida.

According to Hida, this program is a tangible form of implementation of the 8 Best Results Program of the Prabowo-Gibran government, one of which is the provision of free lunch and milk for school children and students.

"MBG is not just a nutrition program, but a tangible manifestation of the government's promise to build a healthy, strong, and intelligent generation of Indonesia. Every glass of milk that school children drink is the investment of the nation's future," said Hida.

Hida bilang, BGN terus memastikan pelaksanaan MBG dijalankan dengan prinsip gizi seimbang, transparansi, dan pemberdayaan ekonomi lokal.

Selain mendukung penurunan angka stunting, MBG juga diharapkan menumbuhkan kesadaran pentingnya pola makan sehat berbasis pangan lokal.

“Susu dalam MBG adalah simbol sederhana dari perubahan besar dari kebijakan gizi menjadi gerakan nasional untuk mencerdaskan bangsa,” ujar Hida.

Hida said, BGN continues to ensure that the implementation of MBG is carried out with the principles of balanced nutrition, transparency, and local economic empowerment.

In addition to supporting the reduction in stunting rates, MBG is also expected to raise awareness of the importance of local food-based healthy diets.

"Susu dalam MBG adalah simplice dari perubahan besar dari kebijakan hijani menjadi gerahan nasional untuk mendidikan bangsa," ujar Hida.