Surabaya, Aug. 21 -- The Indonesian government considers the Free Nutritious Meals (MBG) program a strategic measure against stunting, a form of chronic childhood malnutrition, in pursuit of the country's golden era by 2045.

"This free meals program is aimed at creating a generation of smart, strong, and productive talents that can lead Indonesia to transform into a developed country by 2045," Coordinating Minister for Food Zulkifli Hasan remarked in Surabaya City, East Java, on Thursday.

During a visit to an MBG kitchen in Wonocolo Sub-district, he underscored that the government acknowledges the importance of ensuring adequate nutritional intake for schoolchildren, toddlers, pregnant women, and breastfeeding mothers to achieve that go...