Indonesia prioritizes pregnant women, toddlers in free meal program

hartono · Feb 15, 2026

BGN Deputy Head Sony Sonjaya during his remark before SPPG officials in Lampung on Saturday (February 14, 2026). ANTARA/HO-BGN/rst

Jakarta (ANTARA) - The National Nutrition Agency (BGN) asked the Nutrition Fulfillment Service Units (SPPG) to prioritize pregnant women, breastfeeding mothers, and toddlers (Group 3B) in the Free Nutritional Meal Program (MBG), before targeting schools or students.

This request took into account varying interpretations encountered in the field. During the early stages of SPPG development, some partners worked directly with schools, but once the SPPG kitchen was established, the priority shifted to ensuring coverage for Group 3B.

"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," remarked BGN Deputy Head Sony Sonjaya in a statement on Sunday.

He also highlighted MBG's advantages over practices in many other countries. While more than 77 countries only implement free meals at school, Indonesia is a pioneer in providing meals for the 3B group.

"Indonesia is not just about school meals, but ‘school meals plus,’ as it considers the 3B," he added.

In fact, Indonesia pioneered the delivery of nutritious food to the homes of pregnant women, breastfeeding mothers, and toddlers, with support from integrated health post (Posyandu) cadres.

This initiative is based on the importance of the first 1,000 days of life, as the MBG Program is not just a food program, but a long-term investment in preparing for Indonesia Emas 2045, Sonjaya pointed out.

He mentioned that the program has changed people's mindsets, and children throughout Indonesia are beginning to understand that nutritious food must contain all the essential elements: carbohydrates, protein, fiber, and vitamins.

"The mindset of Indonesian society has changed. Previously, people did not focus on the nutritional elements. Now, children are beginning to understand that food must contain four key elements: carbohydrates, protein, fiber, and vitamins," he stated.