RRI.CO.ID, Jakarta – Deputy for Systems and Governance at the National Nutrition Agency, Tigor Pangaribuan, highlighted Japan's long-term success in making nutrition the main foundation of human resource development.

Speaking at the peak of Nutrition Week 2026 at the BGN Headquarters in Jakarta on Sunday, 25 January 2026, he affirmed that proper nutrition is the key to enhance national development physically and intellectually.

Tigor revealed that the agency recently conducted a comparative study in Japan, a country that has consistently implemented sustainable nutrition programs for 150 years. The results of this century-long commitment are evident in the physical quality of its population, where the average height has reached 175 cm.

Not only physically superior, Japan's nutrition program has also been proven to boost the cognitive capacity of its citizens to an average IQ of 115. "So, the average IQ of children in Japan is now 115. The highest in the world. Their average height is 175 cm. And if they participate in sports, they always rank in the top 10 in the world, either 4th or 5th,” the Deputy said.

Deputy for Systems and Governance of the National Nutrition Agency, Tigor Pangaribuan, delivered a speech during the peak event of Nutrition Week 2026 at the Agency's Headquarters in Jakarta, Sunday, 25 January 2026. (Photo:YouTube/Badan Gizi Nasional Republik Indonesia)

Building on this success, the Indonesian government, through BGN, is committed to strengthening the Free Nutritious Meals Program as a flagship strategy toward the ‘Indonesia Emas 2045’ vision. Tigor expressed optimism that by prioritizing early-childhood nutrition, Indonesia can produce a future generation with an average IQ of up to 120.

Addressing the students in attendance, the Deputy stated, “We hope that in 2045, all of you who are now eating nutritious meals will become our generation with an IQ of 120. So, Indonesia will become the center of various innovations in the world.”

Commemorating National Nutrition Day, which falls every January 25, the BGN is calling on all stakeholders, including the Ministry of Health and the Food and Drug Supervisory Agency (BPOM), to synergize in supporting national nutrition policies.

Under the theme ‘Strong Nutrition, Great Indonesia,’ the event underscores a shared commitment, that a sovereign and powerful nation begins with the physical resilience and health of every individual.