The National Nutrition Agency (Badan Gizi Nasional, BGN) is pushing for the integration of nutrition education into the national school curriculum, a proposal that has been submitted to the Ministry of Primary and Secondary Education (Kemendikdasmen). This initiative aims to cultivate a generation of healthy and competitive Indonesians. According to Ikeu Tanziha, a member of BGN’s Nutrition Expert Council, incorporating structured nutrition education in schools is essential for developing a comprehensive understanding of nutrition from a young age.
“Nutrition is more than just food—it’s about shaping the future. A child who grasps nutrition will grow up healthy, think critically, and make meaningful contributions to the nation,” Ikeu emphasized. Schools are seen as ideal platforms for systematically imparting nutritional knowledge, enabling students to comprehend the relationships between diet, health, and overall well-being while encouraging healthier lifestyle choices.
The proposed curriculum will cover key topics such as fundamental nutritional concepts, food group categorization and portioning, the significance of nutrients in bodily functions, and the negative impacts of unhealthy eating habits. In addition, nutrition education will heighten students’ awareness of the value of a balanced diet and empower them to make informed dietary choices to prevent diseases like obesity and diabetes.
“Students will also gain practical skills like cooking and gardening that can be applied in their daily lives,” Ikeu added. The integration of nutrition education into the school curriculum is projected to create a united effort between schools, families, and communities, reinforcing the importance of balanced nutrition throughout society.
Above all, Ikeu highlighted that nutrition education equips students with the knowledge and skills to lead healthy lives, support disease prevention, and enhance overall quality of life in the future. BGN, as the agency responsible for implementing national nutrition programs, has initiated various educational campaigns, including social media outreach through YouTube podcasts and promotional videos promoting the Free Nutritious Meals (MBG) Program.
BGN is calling on all stakeholders—government bodies, schools, parents, media, and the public—to back the integration of nutrition education into the school curriculum as part of the national effort to realize Indonesia’s Golden Generation 2045. “The Free Nutritious Meals Program will achieve its full potential when paired with comprehensive nutrition education that resonates across all levels of society,” Ikeu concluded.
