MUHAMMADIYAH.OR.ID, SURAKARTA – The Muhammadiyah Nutritious Meal (MBM) Program is not merely about providing nutritious food, but also part of a broader effort of improving the health and nutrition of Indonesia’s younger generation.
This statement was delivered by Haedar Nashir, President of Muhammadiyah Central Board (PP Muhammadiyah), on Friday (24/10) during the launching of 105 Nutrition Fulfilment Service Units (SPPG) kitchen at Muhammadiyah University of Surakarta (UMS).
This MBM Program is interrelated with the Nutritious Meal Program (MBG) organized by the government. This initiative, according to Haedar, is relevant to the spirit of Muhammadiyah to improve the health of Indonesia’s children.
“In several Muhammadiyah schools, there have already been good practices of providing nutritious meals, though most still operate on a paid basis. For schools that can’t afford that, who will serve them? Muhammadiyah can step in, especially focusing on developing our charitable enterprises and da’wah initiatives in remote and underprivileged areas,” he said.
Haedar emphasized that Muhammadiyah views the MBG as a positive expression of political will by the government, and thus believes Muhammadiyah should play a leading role in its implementation, even though the organization has long been running similar initiatives.
“We shared the same spirit in improving the nutrition of our nation’s children so that they can grow tall, healthy, and intelligent,” he stated.
According to Haedar, building a generation that is both healthy and smart is crucial, as human resources are the foundation of a strong and developed nation.
“That’s the fundamental reason why Muhammadiyah adopted and supports this program,” he explained.
“At the same time, Haedar acknowledged that every program faces challenges, and therefore, continuous evaluation and improvement are necessary.
Meanwhile, M. Nurul Yamien, National Coordinator of MBM, added that the SPPG kitchens operate in several models including campus-based, school-based, orphanage-based, and community-based.
He explained that among the 105 SPPG currently established under MBM, around 30 are school-based kitchens. He hopes these strategic efforts will continue to strengthen children’s nutrition across Indonesia. (Bintang Adrian)
