The Free Nutritious Meals (MBG) Program has been proven to have a significant impact on children’s concentration levels, as evidenced by short-term memory assessments. This improvement is expected to play a role in maintaining students’ motivation to learn. Research conducted in Aceh has shown that students who receive Free Nutritious Meals demonstrate increased concentration, which bodes well for improved educational outcomes and a stronger drive to continue learning. Ikeu Tanziha, an Expert Council Member of the National Nutrition Agency (BGN), highlighted these findings during a presentation in Jakarta on July 28.
Separate research by the National Research and Innovation Agency (BRIN) has also shown similar results. The MBG program has been effective in enhancing learning focus and cognitive performance among students in places like Bogor and Papua, especially for those who skip breakfast. A case study at State Vocational School 6 (SMK Negeri 6) in Medan further demonstrated that MBG significantly increased attendance motivation and classroom concentration.
Ikeu emphasized the close connection between concentration, attention, and the brain’s ability to process stimuli. Concentration, as a cognitive function, plays a vital role in brain development during a child’s early years. Various factors, including learning motivation, nutritional intake, psychological well-being, and physiological conditions like sleep quality and environmental factors, can influence concentration.
Nutritional intake containing key nutrients such as protein, iron, and omega-3 fatty acids is crucial for brain development and cognitive function, especially memory. Ikeu stressed the importance of these nutrients for brain function and memory processing capacity.
The MBG Program aims to address children’s nutritional needs for physical growth and cognitive development. However, challenges remain, such as unhealthy eating habits among children and limited access to nutritious foods in some areas. Ikeu called for collective efforts to support the successful implementation of the Free Nutritious Meals Program, believing it will bring lasting benefits for future generations and society as a whole.
