Perceptions of Teachers on the Free Nutritious Meal Program Implementation in Indonesia: Benefits and Challenges

Abstract

Good nutrition has been shown to support concentration, memory, and academic achievement, making nutritious meal programs in schools one strategy for improving educational quality. One of the government's efforts in this area is the Free Nutritious Meal Program (MBG). This study aims to analyze teachers' perceptions regarding the benefits and challenges of implementing the program in schools. The study was conducted using a qualitative approach. The data collection technique used a structured interview guide. Participants in this study were purposively selected, including teachers from elementary to secondary school levels. The interview procedure in this study was carried out in three stages: preparation, implementation, and closing. The results showed that the majority of teachers considered the MBG program a good initiative and needed to be implemented immediately. The main benefits identified included meeting students' nutritional needs, improving concentration and academic achievement, equalizing access to education, and building social character through communal mealtimes. However, teachers also highlighted a number of challenges such as budget limitations, the readiness of facilities and staff, food hygiene, distribution in remote areas, and the potential for misguided motivation among students who come to school solely for food. The study concluded that teachers' perceptions of the MBG program were both optimistic and realistic: optimistic about the significant benefits it could bring to students and the educational system, yet realistic about the technical and structural barriers that must be overcome. Therefore, the success of the program depends on careful planning, cross-sector support, and consistent monitoring and evaluation so that its implementation is effective, sustainable, and on target.