The National Nutrition Agency (Badan Gizi Nasional, BGN) is pushing for the integration of nutrition education into the national school curriculum. This initiative aims to nurture a generation of healthy, intelligent, and globally competitive Indonesians. According to Ikeu Tanziha, a member of BGN’s Nutrition Expert Council, embedding structured nutrition education in schools is essential for developing a comprehensive understanding of nutrition from a young age. She highlighted the significance of schools as ideal platforms for imparting nutritional knowledge systematically. Early nutrition education helps students understand the connections between diet, health, and overall well-being, empowering them to make healthier lifestyle choices. The proposed curriculum will cover essential topics like basic nutritional concepts, food group classification, the role of nutrients in bodily functions, and the consequences of unhealthy eating habits. Additionally, nutrition education will raise awareness about the importance of a balanced diet, enabling students to make informed dietary choices and preventing diet-related diseases like obesity and diabetes. Practical skills such as cooking and gardening will also be included in the curriculum, enhancing students’ ability to apply their knowledge in daily life. The integration of nutrition education into the school curriculum is expected to create a cohesive relationship among schools, families, and communities, emphasizing the message of balanced nutrition throughout society. BGN, as the agency overseeing national nutrition programs, has launched various educational initiatives, including social media outreach through YouTube podcasts and promotional videos to support the Free Nutritious Meals Program. BGN urges all stakeholders, including government bodies, schools, parents, media, and the public, to rally behind the integration of nutrition education in schools as part of Indonesia’s Golden Generation 2045 vision. Ikeu emphasized that the full potential of the Free Nutritious Meals Program can only be realized when complemented with comprehensive nutrition education that resonates at every level of society.
Integrating Nutrition Education into School Curriculum: BGN’s Advocacy
