Tag :
Indonesia
- Asep Haryono | MBG: Feeding Hope, Fueling Dreams in Indonesia - Powered by Blogger
By the way, A few weeks ago, my son came home from his school, SMK 5 Pontianak, with a big smile on his face. He showed me a photo on his phone it was the school lunch he had that day. The meal looked simple but delicious: rice, vegetables, fried chicken, and a piece of fruit.
“This is from the Makan Bergizi Gratis program, Dad!” he said proudly.
I have taken the photo of the menu of the MBG at below
However, I’d like to add that the photos I took above are only examples of what I’ve seen and tasted. The menu may vary from one area to another across Indonesia.
.
That short moment made me curious. I started to look more into this new program that everyone has been talking about here all across Indonesia. This gives me an inspiration to write something about it as my blog post today. Enjoy.
What Is the MBG Program?.
Makan Bergizi Gratis, or MBG for short, means “Free Nutritious Meals.” It’s a government program of Indonesia that launched in 2025 to give free, healthy meals not only to students at high school students level , however also prepared for pregnant women, and young children across Indonesia.
The goal is simple but powerful , to make sure everyone, especially children, gets good nutrition every day. Many Indonesian families still struggle to provide balanced meals because of economic or regional challenges. MBG tries to fill that gap by giving food that is not only free, but also healthy and safe.
Schools like my son’s in Pontianak are part of the early rollout. The menus are prepared carefully by trained kitchen teams, often using local ingredients from nearby markets or farmers. This means the program doesn’t just feed people it also helps local food producers.
How It Looks in Real Life
From what I’ve seen, the MBG meals look quite good. They are not luxurious, of course no fancy restaurant dishes but they are colorful, balanced, and filling. The menu usually includes rice, protein (like chicken, fish, tofu, or eggs), vegetables, and fruit.
My son told me that he and his friends really enjoy it. “Dad, sometimes it’s better than what I buy outside!” he joked.
For many students, this program is more than just free food. It’s also a reason to look forward to school every day. Some kids used to skip breakfast or lunch because they didn’t have enough money. Now, they can eat together with friends in a warm and happy environment.
Stories Behind the Program
Of course, like any big national program, MBG has had some challenges. There have been reports of food safety issues or contamination in a few areas. These are serious matters, and they remind us that maintaining food quality across such a large country is not easy.
But we should also look at the positive side many schools are doing it right. In Pontianak, for example, the schools I’ve seen are doing a great job keeping hygiene and quality high. The kitchen teams take time to prepare everything properly.
I also heard that nutritionists and teachers work together to make sure the meals meet health standards. That’s something new and important it shows that this program is not just about giving food, but about educating people about healthy eating habits.
Good nutrition plays a big role in children’s growth and learning. A hungry or undernourished child will find it hard to focus in class. A well-fed child, on the other hand, has more energy, better mood, and stronger concentration.
I believe programs like MBG can make a real difference in the long run. It’s not just about feeding children today it’s about building a healthier, stronger, and more educated generation for tomorrow.
When I look at the photos from my son’s school, I see more than just plates of rice and vegetables. I see effort, care, and hope behind every meal. I see a group of teachers, cooks, and local farmers working together to bring a small but meaningful change to the lives of students.
How Indonesia’s Program Fits into a Global Trend
What’s interesting is that Indonesia is not alone in running a free meal program for students. Many other countries have done something similar and their experiences show how powerful a simple lunch can be.
Take Finland, for example. Since 1948, every student in Finland has received a free hot meal at school. It’s part of their education system, and they see it as a right, not a privilege. Because of that, no child has to study on an empty stomach.
Then there’s Brazil, which runs a huge school-feeding program called PNAE. Millions of students across Brazil get free meals every day, often cooked using ingredients from local farmers. It’s quite similar to Indonesia’s idea of supporting local communities while feeding the nation.
In Kenya and other parts of Africa, free school meals are also growing fast. The World Food Programme helps local governments provide lunches for children in rural areas. For many of them, it’s the only full meal they get each day.
So when we see the Makan Bergizi Gratis program growing in schools like SMK 5 Pontianak, we can proudly say that Indonesia is part of a global movement one that believes good nutrition is the foundation of a better future.
What Makes Indonesia’s MBG Program Unique?
Many countries like Japan, India, the United States, and Finland have free meal programs for students. But Indonesia’s MBG (Makan Bergizi Gratis) program stands out for a few special reasons:
First, it focuses on local wisdom and ingredients. Unlike many other countries that use standardized menus, Indonesia’s MBG meals often use local ingredients and traditional recipes. Each region can design its own nutritious menu from sayur lodeh in Java to ikan pepes in Sumatra reflecting the local culture while keeping nutrition in balance.
Second, it has a community-based implementation. . MBG is not only a government project it also involves local communities, school committees, and even small food vendors. This helps create job opportunities for local cooks and suppliers while ensuring meals are freshly made every day.
Third, it delivers a strong educational message. . The program is not just about eating it teaches healthy eating habits and food hygiene. Teachers and parents are encouraged to talk about why nutritious meals matter, making it a part of character education.
Fourth, it promotes inclusive and equal access. . MBG aims to reach students from all backgrounds especially those in rural or remote areas so every child has an equal chance to grow strong and learn better, regardless of their family’s income.
Finally, it represents a nationwide spirit of togetherness. What makes MBG really special is the spirit behind it “Gotong Royong” (mutual cooperation). It’s not only about food, but also about showing care and unity as a nation.
A Taste of Hope
One thing I really love about MBG is that it connects people. It reminds us that food can bring communities together. When students eat the same meal, they share more than food they share stories, laughter, and friendship.
It also makes parents like me feel thankful. Knowing that my child gets a nutritious meal every school day gives me peace of mind. I don’t have to worry whether he’s eating enough or skipping lunch because of money
Even though some people criticize the program or point out its problems, I prefer to see it as a work in progress something that can be improved step by step. After all, change doesn’t happen overnight. What matters is that Indonesia has started something meaningful and full of heart.
Just Keep Going
The Makan Bergizi Gratis program may look like a simple idea free meals for students but it carries a deeper message. It shows that a country truly cares for its people’s health and education.
I hope this program continues to grow and improve in the coming years. With good management and community support, it can become one of the most successful public service initiatives Indonesia has ever seen
For now, I’ll keep enjoying those photos my son sends me from SMK 5 Pontianak photos of rice, vegetables, and smiles. Because sometimes, a simple meal can represent something far greater: hope for a better future.
Is there any such a Free Nutritious Meals (Makan Bergizi Grati) s program in your country by the way?.
Share your thoughts or photos in the comments below.
I have taken the photo of the menu of the MBG at below
 |
A full
breakfast set from MBG featuring rice, side dishes, fruits, milk, and noodles ,a
healthy start to the day! Photo by Asep Haryono. All Rights Reserved |
 |
Top view of
MBG’s nutritious breakfast package , simple, filling, and delicious. Photo
by Asep Haryono. All Rights Reserved |
 |
Close-up of
the appetizing MBG breakfast , noodles with egg and fresh lime served with rice
and side dishes. Photo by Asep Haryono. All Rights Reserved |
However, I’d like to add that the photos I took above are only examples of what I’ve seen and tasted. The menu may vary from one area to another across Indonesia.
.
That short moment made me curious. I started to look more into this new program that everyone has been talking about here all across Indonesia. This gives me an inspiration to write something about it as my blog post today. Enjoy.
What Is the MBG Program?.
Makan Bergizi Gratis, or MBG for short, means “Free Nutritious Meals.” It’s a government program of Indonesia that launched in 2025 to give free, healthy meals not only to students at high school students level , however also prepared for pregnant women, and young children across Indonesia.
The goal is simple but powerful , to make sure everyone, especially children, gets good nutrition every day. Many Indonesian families still struggle to provide balanced meals because of economic or regional challenges. MBG tries to fill that gap by giving food that is not only free, but also healthy and safe.
Schools like my son’s in Pontianak are part of the early rollout. The menus are prepared carefully by trained kitchen teams, often using local ingredients from nearby markets or farmers. This means the program doesn’t just feed people it also helps local food producers.
How It Looks in Real Life
From what I’ve seen, the MBG meals look quite good. They are not luxurious, of course no fancy restaurant dishes but they are colorful, balanced, and filling. The menu usually includes rice, protein (like chicken, fish, tofu, or eggs), vegetables, and fruit.
My son told me that he and his friends really enjoy it. “Dad, sometimes it’s better than what I buy outside!” he joked.
For many students, this program is more than just free food. It’s also a reason to look forward to school every day. Some kids used to skip breakfast or lunch because they didn’t have enough money. Now, they can eat together with friends in a warm and happy environment.
Stories Behind the Program
Of course, like any big national program, MBG has had some challenges. There have been reports of food safety issues or contamination in a few areas. These are serious matters, and they remind us that maintaining food quality across such a large country is not easy.
But we should also look at the positive side many schools are doing it right. In Pontianak, for example, the schools I’ve seen are doing a great job keeping hygiene and quality high. The kitchen teams take time to prepare everything properly.
I also heard that nutritionists and teachers work together to make sure the meals meet health standards. That’s something new and important it shows that this program is not just about giving food, but about educating people about healthy eating habits.
Good nutrition plays a big role in children’s growth and learning. A hungry or undernourished child will find it hard to focus in class. A well-fed child, on the other hand, has more energy, better mood, and stronger concentration.
I believe programs like MBG can make a real difference in the long run. It’s not just about feeding children today it’s about building a healthier, stronger, and more educated generation for tomorrow.
When I look at the photos from my son’s school, I see more than just plates of rice and vegetables. I see effort, care, and hope behind every meal. I see a group of teachers, cooks, and local farmers working together to bring a small but meaningful change to the lives of students.
How Indonesia’s Program Fits into a Global Trend
What’s interesting is that Indonesia is not alone in running a free meal program for students. Many other countries have done something similar and their experiences show how powerful a simple lunch can be.
Take Finland, for example. Since 1948, every student in Finland has received a free hot meal at school. It’s part of their education system, and they see it as a right, not a privilege. Because of that, no child has to study on an empty stomach.
Then there’s Brazil, which runs a huge school-feeding program called PNAE. Millions of students across Brazil get free meals every day, often cooked using ingredients from local farmers. It’s quite similar to Indonesia’s idea of supporting local communities while feeding the nation.
In Kenya and other parts of Africa, free school meals are also growing fast. The World Food Programme helps local governments provide lunches for children in rural areas. For many of them, it’s the only full meal they get each day.
So when we see the Makan Bergizi Gratis program growing in schools like SMK 5 Pontianak, we can proudly say that Indonesia is part of a global movement one that believes good nutrition is the foundation of a better future.
What Makes Indonesia’s MBG Program Unique?
Many countries like Japan, India, the United States, and Finland have free meal programs for students. But Indonesia’s MBG (Makan Bergizi Gratis) program stands out for a few special reasons:
First, it focuses on local wisdom and ingredients. Unlike many other countries that use standardized menus, Indonesia’s MBG meals often use local ingredients and traditional recipes. Each region can design its own nutritious menu from sayur lodeh in Java to ikan pepes in Sumatra reflecting the local culture while keeping nutrition in balance.
Second, it has a community-based implementation. . MBG is not only a government project it also involves local communities, school committees, and even small food vendors. This helps create job opportunities for local cooks and suppliers while ensuring meals are freshly made every day.
Third, it delivers a strong educational message. . The program is not just about eating it teaches healthy eating habits and food hygiene. Teachers and parents are encouraged to talk about why nutritious meals matter, making it a part of character education.
Fourth, it promotes inclusive and equal access. . MBG aims to reach students from all backgrounds especially those in rural or remote areas so every child has an equal chance to grow strong and learn better, regardless of their family’s income.
Finally, it represents a nationwide spirit of togetherness. What makes MBG really special is the spirit behind it “Gotong Royong” (mutual cooperation). It’s not only about food, but also about showing care and unity as a nation.
A Taste of Hope
One thing I really love about MBG is that it connects people. It reminds us that food can bring communities together. When students eat the same meal, they share more than food they share stories, laughter, and friendship.
It also makes parents like me feel thankful. Knowing that my child gets a nutritious meal every school day gives me peace of mind. I don’t have to worry whether he’s eating enough or skipping lunch because of money
Even though some people criticize the program or point out its problems, I prefer to see it as a work in progress something that can be improved step by step. After all, change doesn’t happen overnight. What matters is that Indonesia has started something meaningful and full of heart.
Just Keep Going
The Makan Bergizi Gratis program may look like a simple idea free meals for students but it carries a deeper message. It shows that a country truly cares for its people’s health and education.
I hope this program continues to grow and improve in the coming years. With good management and community support, it can become one of the most successful public service initiatives Indonesia has ever seen
For now, I’ll keep enjoying those photos my son sends me from SMK 5 Pontianak photos of rice, vegetables, and smiles. Because sometimes, a simple meal can represent something far greater: hope for a better future.
Is there any such a Free Nutritious Meals (Makan Bergizi Grati) s program in your country by the way?.
Share your thoughts or photos in the comments below.
What do you think about the meals?
How has it helped your family or your school community?
Let’s spread positive stories and keep supporting this meaningful effort one meal at a time.
A Message From Asep Haryono
"Thank you so much for your time here. I really appreciate your precious moment here as well. Please leave any comment down below. Let me hear from you. Greetings from Indonesia"
No comments:
Thank you for your visit.. Be sure to express your opinion. Your comment is very important to me :)