Hashim links MBG to human capital at James A. Robinson forum

Hashim Djojohadikusumo presented the Free Nutritious Meals Program, or MBG, as part of the government’s long-term strategy to improve the quality of Indonesia’s human resources. At the Prasasti Indonesia Policy Forum 2026 in Jakarta on Tuesday, he made the remarks before 2024 Nobel Prize in Economics laureate James A. Robinson. Hashim said nutrition problems affect children’s ability to absorb lessons and, ultimately, productivity when they enter the workforce. He cited findings from a previous administration showing about 41 percent of schoolchildren left for school without breakfast, while the stunting rate in 2006 was around 30 percent. Hashim also referred to PISA results, which he said placed Indonesia 62nd out of 70 countries, far below South Korea.