RRI.CO.ID, Bekasi - The success of Indonesia’s Free Nutritious Meals (MBG) program depends not only on food distribution but also on strong public communication strategies. The Head of Legal and Public Relations Bureau of the National Nutrition Agency (BGN), Khairul Hidayati, made the statement during a Public Communication Coordination Meeting with the Ministry of Communication and Digital Affairs in Bekasi, Monday April 6, 2026.

The MBG program was launched as a response to persistent nutrition challenges in Indonesia that affect the quality of human resources, particularly children and vulnerable groups. As a nationwide initiative involving stakeholders from central and regional levels, the program also faces complex operational, legal, and reputational challenges.

In this context, BGN views public communication as a strategic instrument to support the program’s implementation. Communication is expected not only to deliver information but also to maintain policy legitimacy and ensure continued public support.

“A program as large as MBG requires strong public trust. Communication plays a key role not only in delivering information, but also in ensuring that people understand, accept, and support the program in the long term,” Hidayati said.

To strengthen public engagement, BGN has developed a communication strategy built on five main pillars. These include nutrition education and literacy, program transparency, rapid public response, issue and crisis management, and consistent institutional messaging.

The approach is designed to remain centralized while integrating communication efforts across different units within the agency. This allows policies to remain coordinated while still adapting to developments in the field.

“Our content production is always data-based, easy to understand, and human-centered. The goal is for the public to see the real impact of the MBG program and participate actively,” Hidayati explained.

The communication strategy also includes measurable targets using the SMART framework, focusing on digital audience growth and sustained engagement. According to a SWOT analysis, BGN’s strengths lie in expanding audiences and strong public interaction, while opportunities exist through cross-sector collaboration and community participation.