The National Nutrition Agency (Badan Gizi Nasional, BGN) is pushing for the integration of nutrition education into the national school curriculum. This proposal has been officially submitted to the Ministry of Primary and Secondary Education (Kemendikdasmen) with the aim of nurturing a healthy, intelligent, and globally competitive generation of Indonesians. According to Ikeu Tanziha, a member of BGN’s Nutrition Expert Council, incorporating structured and integrated nutrition education in schools is crucial for fostering a comprehensive understanding of nutrition from a young age.
Nutrition education goes beyond just food—it shapes the future. A child who is knowledgeable about nutrition will grow up to be healthy, think critically, and make meaningful contributions to society. Ikeu emphasized the importance of schools as ideal platforms for imparting nutritional knowledge systematically. Early exposure to nutrition education helps students comprehend the links between diet, health, and overall well-being while encouraging them to adopt healthier lifestyle choices.
The proposed curriculum will cover essential topics such as basic nutritional concepts, food group classification and portion sizes, the role of nutrients in bodily functions, and the negative effects of unhealthy eating habits. Additionally, nutrition education will heighten students’ awareness of the significance of a balanced diet, enabling them to make informed dietary decisions and preventing diet-related diseases like obesity and diabetes.
Students will also gain practical skills such as cooking and gardening, which can be directly applied in their daily lives. By integrating nutrition education into the school curriculum, a synergistic relationship between schools, families, and communities is expected to be established, promoting the message of balanced nutrition throughout society. Above all, Ikeu stressed that nutrition education equips students with the knowledge and skills to lead healthy lives, supports disease prevention efforts, and enhances overall quality of life in the future.
As the key agency responsible for implementing national nutrition programs, BGN has launched various educational initiatives, including utilizing social media platforms like YouTube for podcasts, as well as creating promotional videos set in relevant sites such as kitchens, schools, and markets to promote the Free Nutritious Meals (MBG) Program. BGN is also calling on all stakeholders—government bodies, schools, parents, media, and the wider public—to rally behind the integration of nutrition education into the school curriculum as part of Indonesia’s journey towards achieving the Golden Generation 2045 vision.
Ikeu concluded by emphasizing that the Free Nutritious Meals Program will only reach its full potential when complemented by comprehensive nutrition education that resonates across all segments of society.
