18,000 Cadres Ready to Lead Free Nutritious Meal Distribution: Deputy Minister

The government’s Free Nutritious Meal (MBG) program for pregnant women, breastfeeding mothers, preschoolers, and toddlers is set to be spearheaded by 18,000 Family Planning Counselors (PKB) and Field Family Planning Officers (PLKB). Deputy Minister of Population and Family Development Ratu Ayu Isyana Bagoes Oka announced this during a discussion forum organized by the Presidential Communication Office (PCO) in Jakarta. The event, themed “The Role of Family Development in Welcoming Indonesia Emas 2045”, also featured Deputy Minister of Women’s Empowerment and Child Protection Veronica Tan and PCO Senior Expert Staff Chacha Anisa. Isyana highlighted the government’s efforts to prepare for Indonesia’s golden generation, with the MBG program targeting pregnant women, breastfeeding mothers, toddlers, and preschoolers. This initiative is a collaboration between Kemendukbangga and the National Nutrition Agency (BGN), with trained cadres implementing the program on the ground. In addition to PKB and PLKB cadres, Family Assistance Teams (TPK) are formed comprising health workers, Family Welfare Movement (PKK) cadres, and family planning volunteers. These teams, totaling 600,000 members nationwide, play a crucial role in distributing MBG to the target groups. Isyana stressed the significance of proper nutrition for expectant and nursing mothers, as well as young children, in line with the government’s goal of enhancing human resources. She emphasized the importance of early intervention, pointing out that habits are formed within families and that the first 1,000 days of life are crucial for preventing stunting, beginning even before birth.

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