KBRN, Jakarta: Head of Population and Family Development Minister/National Population and Family Planning Board (BKKBN) Wihaji, emphasized the importance of extending the Free Nutritious Meal Program (MBG) to the entire family, particularly pregnant women, nursing mothers, and toddlers not enrolled in early childhood education (non-PAUD), who fall under the Ministry/BKKBN's purview.

“This is about the future of our children. Don't let there be families who need it but escape our attention,” Minister Wihaji said in his statement on Thursday, May 8, 2025, as quoted by rri.co.id.

The Minister said this during a visit to the Public Kitchen of Nutrition Fulfillment Service Unit (SPPG) belonging to Oda Masa Depan Utama Foundation in Pasuruan City, East Java. The unit currently serves approximately 3,900 elementary school students who receive supplementary nutritious food (MBG).

According to him, the MBG approach directly targets vulnerable groups to reduce stunting rates and build a healthier future generation. He emphasized that MBG is not merely an aid program but an integral part of a larger vision to develop Indonesia starting with the family unit.

“One of the causes of stunting is lack of nutritional intake. Therefore, the President-Vice President focuses on providing MBG which is part of a long-term investment to create superior generations in the future,” he said.

The Ministry also emphasized the importance of targeting beneficiaries, particularly families classified as at risk of stunting. Consequently, data collection will be conducted by the Family Assistance Team (TPK) to ensure this program effectively reaches those most in need.

He clarified that the distribution of MBG to pregnant women and nursing mothers is adapted to field conditions, unlike the distribution to school children who gather in a single location. Consequently, the Ministry/BKKBN is empowering family planning field workers to reach beneficiaries using official motorcycles.

As a tangible demonstration of his commitment, he personally distributed nutritious food packages to three families at risk of stunting in Purutrejo Village, Purworejo subdistrict. These families included pregnant women, nursing mothers, and those with toddlers not yet attending early childhood education (non-PAUD).

“Today we are just testing, from 3.4 million beneficiaries, while still reaching around 20 thousand recipients from the categories of pregnant women, breastfeeding mothers, and non-PAUD toddlers. Therefore, I came directly to ensure that this program can be carried out seriously and on target,” he concluded.

He further explained that this program is part of the Ministry/BKKBN's integrative approach in the regions, where MBG synergizes with family planning services and other health education initiatives. ***