MBG Called an Effort to Strengthen Human Resource Development Through Nutritional Fulfilment

South Manokwari: A socialization of the Free Nutritious Meals (MBG) Program, conducted with partners, was held at the Bu Isti Restaurant in Anday District, South Manokwari, West Papua, on Friday, May 8, 2026.

The event was attended by Obet A. Rumbruren, a member of Commission IX of the Indonesian House of Representatives.

During the socialization, the MBG Program was introduced as one of the government's priority programs. Its main objective is to strengthen human resource development by providing community nutrition. The program targets school children, pregnant women, breastfeeding mothers, and toddlers.

Obet emphasized that the MBG program must receive full support from all elements of society. However, its implementation must also be carried out under strict supervision to ensure its benefits are truly felt by the community.

"This program is excellent and deserves full support because it aims to improve the nutritional quality of the community and prevent children from suffering from malnutrition. However, supervision must be tightened to prevent individuals from exploiting the program for personal gain," said Obet in a written statement on Monday, May 11, 2026.

He also highlighted the importance of the functionality of the Nutrition Fulfillment Service Unit (SPPG) managers. According to him, the program's implementation must be in line with its objectives.

"Program managers must have a social spirit and responsibility to the community, not just be profit-oriented. Nutrition and food safety standards must also be maintained to ensure food quality remains good and safe for consumption," Obet added.

The Free Nutritional Meal Program (MBG) is a government strategy to break the chain of stunting and improve the quality of Indonesia's future generations. This national strategic program not only aims to provide nutritious food but is also part of the effort to create a superior, healthy, and productive generation. The program's target groups include students from early childhood education (PAUD) to high school, Islamic boarding school students (Islamic boarding school), pregnant women, breastfeeding mothers, and toddlers.

The outreach activity held in Manokwari emphasized the important role of the Indonesian House of Representatives (DPR RI) in supporting the success of the Free Nutritional Meal Program. Commission IX plays a strategic role, spanning budget approval and policy recommendations, as well as monitoring and evaluating program implementation in the field.

The MBG program is part of efforts to support the national development vision and improve the quality of Indonesia's human resources by increasing equitable nutritional intake for all.