Editor’s Note
- MBG services expanded to toddlers and pregnant women
- Accelerating the development of SPPG in North Sumatra
- MBG program has a direct impact on community life
MBG services expanded to toddlers and pregnant women
The Vice Governor of North Sumatra (Sumut), Surya, has called on all parties to expand the free nutritious meals (MBG) service to toddlers and pregnant women.
He made this announcement during the inauguration of the Nutrition Fulfillment Service Unit (SPPG) of Muhammadiyah University of North Sumatra (UMSU) at UMSU Campus IV, Percut Seituan, Deliserdang, on Monday, February 16, 2026.
“The quality of a region in the next 10 to 20 years is not determined by what we build today, but by how our children grow up. Healthy children learn better, well-nourished children think more strongly, and a strong generation builds a strong nation. This is the essence of the MBG program,” Surya said.
Accelerate the development of food and nutritional supplements (SPPG) in North Sumatra
Furthermore, Surya invited all parties to collaborate on the implementation of various initiatives. First, use locally produced ingredients so that the economic benefits flow back to the community. Second, ensure food quality so that children are not only satisfied but also healthy.
Third, conduct open and continuous joint monitoring. Fourth, accelerate the development of SPPG throughout North Sumatra.
Surya stated that the MBG program aligns with the direction of regional development, namely the collaboration of the North Sumatra Blessings to create a superior, advanced, and sustainable North Sumatra. Excellence is not just about infrastructure, nor is it just about the economy.
“Therefore, the nutrition security program is an investment in the development of education, health, and the economy,” Surya said.
The MBG program has a direct impact on the life of the community
According to Surya, the MBG program has a direct impact on the life of the community. However, the program will not be successful if it stands alone. It requires the cooperation of the central government, regional governments, universities, civil society organizations, schools, the business community, and the community itself.
The Minister of Primary and Secondary Education, Abdul Mu’ti, stated on that occasion that the MBG is an investment in the future of Indonesia. Indonesia’s strong Emas 2045 generation includes those currently in preschool, primary school, middle school, and high school, as well as children in the womb and pregnant women.
Many studies show that human development is largely determined by three phases. The first is the period in the womb.
The second is the golden age, from birth to age five. The third is the period of further growth and development.
“These are crucial periods. It is precisely then that nutrition is essential. When MBG focuses on breastfeeding mothers and pregnant women, this golden age coincides with the breastfeeding period. This is an extraordinary investment,” says Abdul Mu’ti. ***rel
