BGN Urges Free Meal Kitchens to Prioritize Pregnant Women, Toddlers

Jakarta: The National Nutrition Agency (BGN) has instructed Nutrition Fulfillment Service Units (SPPG) to prioritize pregnant women, breastfeeding mothers, and toddlers -,classified as Group 3B,- under the Free Nutritious Meals (MBG) program.

BGN said that this should be done before expanding coverage to schools or students.

The directive follows varying interpretations in the early stages of implementation. During the initial rollout of SPPG kitchens, some partners focused directly on distributing meals to schools. However, once the kitchens were operational, the priority shifted to ensuring that vulnerable groups receive assistance first.

“When the SPPG (MBG kitchen) was first established, some partners actively collaborated with schools. However, the focus should have been on targeting these vulnerable groups -,toddlers, pregnant women, and breastfeeding mothers,- first. This is the priority,” BGN Deputy Head Sony Sonjaya said in a statement on Sunday, quoted from Antara Monday, 16 February 2026.

Sonjaya highlighted that Indonesia’s approach goes beyond standard school feeding programs implemented in many countries. While more than 77 countries focus solely on school meals, Indonesia has expanded the scope to include vulnerable groups outside school settings.

“Indonesia is not just about school meals, but ‘school meals plus,’ as it also considers the 3B group,” he said.

He noted that Indonesia has initiated the delivery of nutritious food directly to the homes of pregnant women, breastfeeding mothers, and toddlers, supported by integrated health post (Posyandu) cadres.

The initiative is grounded in the importance of the first 1,000 days of life, which are critical for child development. Sonjaya emphasized that the MBG program is designed not only as a food assistance scheme but also as a long-term investment toward achieving the vision of Indonesia Emas 2045.

He added that the program has begun to shift public awareness regarding balanced nutrition.

“The mindset of Indonesian society has changed. Previously, people did not pay close attention to nutritional elements. Now, children are starting to understand that food must contain four key components: carbohydrates, protein, fiber, and vitamins,” he said.