Heaptalk, Jakarta — Dadan Hindayana, Head of the National Nutrition Agency (BGN), stated that the free nutritious meal program is a strategic step towards achieving Golden Indonesia 2045. He mentioned that, as directed by President Prabowo Subianto on various occasions, the program aims to improve the nutritional quality of children, making them productive human resources by 2045.
“Why is it considered strategic? Our data shows that the population of Indonesia is still increasing by six people per minute,” he said at the Regional Heads Briefing Retreat at the Tidar Valley Military Academy (Akmil) in Magelang, Central Java, on Thursday (02/27).
He explained that today’s children will be part of the demographic bonus in the future. Therefore, enhancing human resources capacity is essential. Additionally, the government continues to strive for nutritional fulfillment for all children in Indonesia.
On this occasion, Dadan emphasized that the free meal program is a central government program funded by the State Budget. The program is expected to boost the local economy by involving farmers and local entrepreneurs. Dadan hopes that regional heads will support this program.
He said regional heads can contribute to this program by supporting infrastructure improvements, including education. Regions can also provide support by allocating funds to enhance supply chains, and assisting farmers, fishermen, ranchers, and SMEs. This would help ensure the fulfillment of nutritional needs. He added, “So, please cooperate, ladies and gentlemen, in the regions, as the Nutrition Agency will fully fund the meals program.”
Dadan explained that BGN is currently working to establish cooperation with various parties to ensure the success of the free nutritious meal program. He hopes this program will have a positive impact on the community, especially the productive generation in the future. “The main goal is long-term human resources investment, but the beneficiaries will be the community, especially regional leaders’ communities,” Dadan concluded.
