The National Nutrition Agency (Badan Gizi Nasional, BGN) is pushing for the inclusion of nutrition education in the national school curriculum. This proposal has been forwarded to the Ministry of Primary and Secondary Education (Kemendikdasmen) with the aim of nurturing healthy, intelligent, and globally competitive Indonesians. According to Ikeu Tanziha, a member of BGN’s Nutrition Expert Council, integrating structured nutrition education at schools is essential for instilling a comprehensive understanding of nutrition from a young age.
Nutrition goes beyond just food—it shapes the future. A child who is knowledgeable about nutrition will grow up healthy, think critically, and make meaningful contributions to society, Ikeu mentioned. Schools are seen as ideal platforms for systematically imparting nutritional knowledge to students. Early exposure to nutrition education helps students connect diet, health, and overall well-being, empowering them to make healthier lifestyle choices.
The proposed curriculum would cover fundamental topics like basic nutritional principles, categorization and portioning of food groups, the significance of nutrients in bodily functions, and the repercussions of unhealthy eating habits. In addition, nutrition education would heighten students’ understanding of the importance of a balanced diet and equip them to make informed dietary choices, thereby aiding in the prevention of diet-related illnesses such as obesity and diabetes.
Beyond theoretical knowledge, students would also gain practical skills like cooking and gardening, which can be directly applied in their daily lives, Ikeu added. The integration of nutrition education into the school curriculum is anticipated to establish a collaborative relationship among schools, families, and communities, promoting the concept of balanced nutrition across all sectors of society.
Nutrition education not only equips students with the tools to lead healthy lives and support disease prevention efforts but also contributes to enhancing overall quality of life in the future, Ikeu emphasized. As the agency responsible for implementing national nutrition programs, BGN has launched various educational initiatives, including social media campaigns through YouTube podcasts and promotional videos highlighting the Free Nutritious Meals (MBG) Program at kitchens, schools, markets, and other relevant locations.
BGN urges all stakeholders—government entities, schools, parents, media, and the general public—to back the integration of nutrition education into the school curriculum as part of the national drive towards realizing Indonesia’s Golden Generation 2045. Ikeu emphasized that the Free Nutritious Meals Program can reach its full potential when paired with all-encompassing nutrition education that resonates throughout society.
