The National Nutrition Agency (Badan Gizi Nasional, BGN) is pushing for the integration of nutrition education into the national school curriculum, with a proposal already submitted to the Ministry of Primary and Secondary Education (Kemendikdasmen). This initiative aims to cultivate healthy, intelligent, and globally competitive Indonesian generations. According to Ikeu Tanziha from BGN’s Nutrition Expert Council, incorporating structured nutrition education into the school environment is crucial in developing a comprehensive understanding of nutrition from an early age.
Nutrition goes beyond just food – it impacts the future. Through nutrition education, children can grow up healthy, think critically, and make meaningful contributions to the nation. Schools are seen as ideal platforms for imparting nutritional knowledge systematically, enabling students to understand the links between diet, health, and overall well-being while encouraging healthier lifestyle choices. The proposed curriculum includes topics like basic nutritional concepts, food groups, nutrients’ roles in bodily functions, and the risks of unhealthy eating habits.
Furthermore, nutrition education raises students’ awareness of balanced diets’ importance, empowering them to make informed dietary choices and preventing diet-related illnesses like obesity and diabetes. Practical skills like cooking and gardening will also be incorporated to directly apply to students’ daily lives. This integration is expected to strengthen the relationship between schools, families, and communities, emphasizing the message of balanced nutrition across society.
BGN, as the agency implementing national nutrition programs, has initiated various educational efforts, including utilizing social media platforms for outreach and promoting the Free Nutritious Meals (MBG) Program through YouTube podcasts and videos set in relevant locations. BGN urges all stakeholders to support the integration of nutrition education into the school curriculum as part of Indonesia’s Golden Generation 2045 movement. Ikeu emphasized that the Free Nutritious Meals Program will be most effective when paired with comprehensive nutrition education resonating across all society levels.
