Program Makan Bergizi Gratis (MBG) dalam Mendukung Peningkatan Kualitas Sumber Daya Manusia (SDM)

Abstract

The Free Nutritious Meal Program (MBG) is one of the government's strategic policies to improve the quality of human resources (HR) by ensuring adequate nutritional intake for vulnerable groups, including school children, toddlers, and pregnant and breastfeeding mothers. Adequate nutrition plays a crucial role in supporting physical growth, cognitive development, learning outcomes, and long-term productivity, making nutrition intervention an important investment in national development. This study aims to analyze the role of the MBG program in improving HR quality, identify its main benefits, and examine the challenges encountered during its implementation. The study employs a qualitative descriptive approach through a literature review of relevant academic publications, government reports, and policy documents. The findings indicate that the MBG program contributes significantly to improving nutritional status, health conditions, educational performance, and future workforce productivity while also helping to reduce stunting and malnutrition. Furthermore, the program has the potential to strengthen food security and stimulate local economic activities through collaboration with local food suppliers. However, its implementation continues to face challenges, including unequal food distribution, maintaining food quality and safety standards, budget limitations, and monitoring and evaluation mechanisms. Therefore, stronger collaboration among the government, communities, educational institutions, and the private sector is essential to optimize the sustainability and effectiveness of the MBG program in enhancing Indonesia's human resource quality.