The National Nutrition Agency (Badan Gizi Nasional, BGN) is pushing for the inclusion of nutrition education in the national school curriculum. This proposal has been forwarded to the Ministry of Primary and Secondary Education (Kemendikdasmen). The main objective of this initiative is to cultivate a generation of healthy, intelligent, and globally competitive Indonesians. According to Ikeu Tanziha, a member of BGN’s Nutrition Expert Council, integrating structured and comprehensive nutrition education into the school environment is essential for developing a strong foundation of nutritional understanding from an early age.
Nutrition is more than just about food—it is about shaping the future. A child who grasps nutrition will grow up to be healthy, think critically, and contribute significantly to the nation,” Ikeu emphasized. She highlighted that schools are ideal platforms for systematically imparting nutritional knowledge. Early nutrition education helps students comprehend the relationships between diet, health, and overall well-being, while encouraging them to make healthier lifestyle choices.
The proposed curriculum will introduce students to key topics such as basic nutritional principles, food group categorization and portion control, the significance of nutrients in bodily functions, and the negative impacts of unhealthy eating habits. Additionally, nutrition education will raise students’ awareness about the importance of a balanced diet and empower them to make informed dietary choices, ultimately aiding in the prevention of diet-related illnesses like obesity and diabetes. Students will also acquire practical skills such as cooking and gardening, skills that can be directly applied in their daily lives.
The integration of nutrition education into the school curriculum is expected to foster a collaborative relationship between schools, families, and communities, reinforcing the message of balanced nutrition throughout society. Ikeu emphasized that nutrition education provides students with the knowledge and skills to lead healthy lives, support disease prevention efforts, and enhance overall quality of life in the future.
As the agency responsible for implementing national nutrition programs, BGN has embarked on various educational initiatives including social media outreach through YouTube podcasts and promotional videos in settings like kitchens, schools, and markets pertinent to the Free Nutritious Meals (MBG) Program. BGN calls on all stakeholders—government entities, schools, parents, media, and the wider community—to endorse the integration of nutrition education into the school curriculum as part of Indonesia’s journey towards realizing the Golden Generation 2045.
“The Free Nutritious Meals Program will achieve its full potential when accompanied by comprehensive nutrition education that resonates across all sectors of society,” Ikeu concluded.
