Indonesia, July 23, 2025 – National Children’s Day in Indonesia is more than just a yearly celebration. President Prabowo Subianto aims to use this occasion to implement tangible actions in ensuring the future well-being of the nation’s children. According to Dedek Prayudi, a Senior Expert at the Presidential Communications Office (PCO), the government has introduced three main programs targeting children’s welfare: Nutritious Free Meals (MBG), Free Health Checkups (CKG), and School Revitalization. Also known as Uki, Dedek highlighted that MBG goes beyond simply providing food to children – it focuses on ensuring they receive essential daily nutrition. Shockingly, Ministry of Health data reveals that 60% of school-aged children attend school without eating breakfast, affecting their concentration and overall health. This issue not only hinders their learning but also contributes to anemia, which can lead to a significant decrease in IQ points. Uki emphasized during a press conference in Jakarta that nearly 38% of school-aged children are suffering from anemia, affecting their strength and focus. The implementation of MBG aims to provide crucial nutrients like iron, essential for children’s growth and development.
In addition to MBG, the government is also launching Free Health Checkups for students, including assessments for physical health, vision, hearing, tuberculosis, and mental well-being. Uki pointed out that these initiatives align with Indonesia’s constitutional mandate to provide healthcare access and ensure the right to health for all citizens, including children. By offering free health checkups, the government aims to prevent diseases and protect public health. The third initiative, the School Revitalization Program, focuses on renovating 11,440 schools across Indonesia to improve learning facilities, especially in remote and underdeveloped areas. President Prabowo has allocated Rp 20 trillion in the national budget for 2025 to support this program, addressing the alarming number of schools in need of repair.
The urgent need for school revitalization stems from the high number of schools with structural damage, affecting over 119,000 schools nationwide. Uki stressed that this program prioritizes schools with severe damage, as some lack basic facilities like functional toilets, posing challenges to students, particularly girls. Addressing this issue goes beyond safety concerns; it is about ensuring a dignified and healthy learning environment for all students. Uki concluded that school buildings should not only serve as classrooms but also provide a safe and sanitary space for students to thrive.
