The National Nutrition Agency (Badan Gizi Nasional, BGN) is pushing for the integration of nutrition education into the national school curriculum. This proposal aims to cultivate a generation of healthy, intelligent, and globally competitive Indonesians. Ikeu Tanziha, a member of BGN’s Nutrition Expert Council, emphasized the importance of structured and integrated nutrition education within schools to develop a comprehensive understanding of nutrition from a young age.
Nutrition education goes beyond just food—it impacts the future. By educating children about nutrition, they will grow up healthy, think critically, and make meaningful contributions to society. Schools are seen as ideal platforms for imparting nutritional knowledge systematically, helping students understand the connections between diet, health, and overall well-being. The curriculum would cover essential topics such as basic nutritional concepts, food group classification, the role of nutrients in bodily functions, and the consequences of unhealthy eating habits.
In addition to promoting a balanced diet and informed dietary decisions, nutrition education also equips students with practical skills like cooking and gardening that can be applied in their daily lives. The integration of nutrition education into the curriculum is expected to create a unified approach towards balanced nutrition among schools, families, and communities.
BGN, as the agency responsible for implementing national nutrition programs, has launched various educational initiatives such as social media campaigns, promoting the Free Nutritious Meals Program. They urge all stakeholders to support the integration of nutrition education into the school curriculum as part of the national effort to achieve Indonesia’s Golden Generation 2045 vision. Ikeu stressed that the full potential of the Free Nutritious Meals Program can only be realized when paired with comprehensive nutrition education that resonates throughout society.