January 13, 2026 | 09:23 pm
TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - The National Nutrition Body (BGN) plans to involve teachers and students in delivering nutritional education as part of the free nutritious meal (MBG) program. According to BGN, this initiative aims to enhance students' understanding of the nutritional value found in their daily meals.
Deputy Chair of BGN, Nanik Sudaryati Deyang, stated that the government encourages the inclusion of nutrition in school activities. "I met with the Director General of Early Childhood Education and School-age Education yesterday. I requested that there be a nutrition class in schools later," Nanik said during an MBG governance meeting in Tulungagung, East Java, on Saturday, January 10, 2026.
According to Nanik, structured education will help students understand balanced nutrition. With this knowledge, students are expected to consume the vegetables, meat, fruits, and milk provided by the MBG program while reducing food waste.
The involvement of teachers and students follows Presidential Decree Number 28 of 2025 regarding the Coordinating Team for the MBG Program, which includes 17 ministries and agencies. Coordinating Minister for Food Affairs Zulkifli Hasan leads the team, with Nanik serving as the Daily Executive Chair.
"Based on this Presidential Decree, BGN will no longer work alone in managing the MBG program," Nanik said. Previously, the Head of the Nutrition Service Implementation Unit (SPPG) handled nutritional education. In the future, teachers will take the primary role in delivering these materials in the classroom.
In addition to teachers, BGN will engage students in socializing MBG nutritional content. Nanik stated she has communicated with Deputy Minister of Research, Technology, and Higher Education Stella Christie to explore university collaborations.
Through this partnership, students, particularly those in community service programs (KKN), will act as educators in schools and villages. Nanik hopes these efforts will strengthen nutritional education and support the long-term success of the MBG program.
Read: JPPI Reports 1,242 Victims of Free Nutritious Meal Poisoning as of January 2026
Click here to get the latest news updates from Tempo on Google News
Key Concerns After One Year of Indonesia's Free Nutritious Meals Program
4 hari lalu
Several organizations are highlighting various concerning policies implemented by the government for the Free Nutritious Meal (MBG) program.
BGN Responds to Milk Scarcity Linked to Free Meal Program
5 hari lalu
The National Nutrition Body (BGN) addresses reports of UHT and evaporated milk scarcity in markets.
BGN Clarifies "Zero Incident" Target for Free Nutritious Meal Program
5 hari lalu
BGN claims food poisoning cases in free nutritious meal program are beyond human control. But the agency claims the number of cases have dropped.
BGN Chief Says Free Nutritious Meal Program Scales Up as Service Improves
10 hari lalu
The BGN is ensuring the readiness of the Free Nutritious Meal (MBG) program, which will target over 55 million beneficiaries next week.
Indonesia Aims to Reach 55 Million Free Nutritious Meal Beneficiaries Next Week
12 hari lalu
Currently, 19,188 free nutritious meal (MBG) kitchens are in operation to serve 55 million beneficiaries.
Indonesia to Temporarily Suspend Free Nutritious Meal Program in Early 2026
19 hari lalu
The National Nutrition Body (BGN) will temporarily suspend the distribution of the free nutritious meal program (MBG) at the beginning of January 2026.
Indonesia's BGN: Students Posting Free Meal Complaints Online Reflects Lack of Gratitude
21 hari lalu
BGN has urged that any concerns related to the program be reported through official channels rather than shared publicly on digital platforms.
Who Benefits from Indonesia's Free Meal Program During School Holidays?
21 hari lalu
Celios criticizes Indonesia's BGN for continuing its free nutritious meal program during year-end school holidays.
BGN Denies MBG During School Holidays Is Just Budget Dumping
21 hari lalu
The National Nutrition Body (BGN) stressed that the government remains committed to providing nutrition for every Indonesian child.
Free Nutritious Meal During Holiday, BGN: Children Not Forced to Show Up at School
21 hari lalu
Schools can request free nutritious meals if they wishes, and the food will be delivered in the form of dry food.
