The government’s Free Nutritious Meal (MBG) program for pregnant women, breastfeeding mothers, preschoolers, and toddlers is set to be led by a total of 18,000 Family Planning Counselors (PKB) and Field Family Planning Officers (PLKB). This initiative was highlighted by Deputy Minister of Population and Family Development (Kemendukbangga) Ratu Ayu Isyana Bagoes Oka during a discussion forum in Jakarta. The event, titled “The Role of Family Development in Welcoming Indonesia Emas 2045”, also featured Deputy Minister of Women’s Empowerment and Child Protection Veronica Tan and PCO Senior Expert Staff Chacha Anisa. Isyana emphasized the importance of the MBG program in preparing for Indonesia’s golden generation in 2045, targeting various groups not covered by the Ministry of Primary and Secondary Education. Through collaboration with the National Nutrition Agency (BGN), Kemendukbangga deploys trained cadres to implement the program on the ground, supported by Family Assistance Teams (TPK) formed with the Ministry of Health and Ministry of Home Affairs. These teams, totaling around 600,000 members nationwide, play a crucial role in distributing MBG to pregnant women, breastfeeding mothers, and toddlers, particularly those under the age of two. Isyana stressed the significance of nutrition for expectant and nursing mothers, as well as young children, highlighting the importance of starting early to improve human resources quality in line with the government’s Asta Cita goals. She also noted the critical role of families in shaping habits and preventing stunting, especially during the first 1,000 days of life, which begins during pregnancy.
18,000 Cadres Ready for Free Nutritious Meal Distribution: Deputy Minister
