Indonesia Prioritizes Nutrition in Free Meal Program

Enhanced Nutritional Quality Through Expert Oversight

The Indonesian government is taking significant steps to ensure the nutritional quality of its ambitious free meal program through the mandatory inclusion of nutrition experts. Coordinating Minister for Food Affairs, Zulkifli Hasan, emphasized that nutritionists are essential in every kitchen preparing the meals. This requirement aims to guarantee that the food served is not merely filling but also provides balanced nutritional content appropriate for the recipients.

Government's Commitment to Nutritional Standards

During a coordination meeting with the Indonesian Nutritionists Association (Persagi), Zulhas highlighted the government's commitment to maintaining high nutritional standards in the MBG program. He stated that the presence of nutrition experts would allow for proper measurement and monitoring of the nutritional content of the meals. This step is seen as crucial in preventing the program from merely serving food that fills stomachs without addressing the nutritional needs of the beneficiaries.

Collaborative Efforts for Program Success

The government is working closely with nutrition professionals to oversee the implementation of the MBG program. Zulhas urged nutrition experts to actively participate in monitoring the food quality across different locations. This collaborative effort is expected to enhance the overall effectiveness of the program and ensure that it achieves its intended nutritional and health benefits.