Indonesia’s National Children’s Day, marked on July 23, 2025, holds significance beyond just a day of celebration. President Prabowo Subianto aims to leverage this occasion to drive 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 key programs focusing on children’s welfare: Nutritious Free Meals (MBG), Free Health Checkups (CKG), and School Revitalization.
Commonly known as Uki, Dedek elaborated that MBG extends beyond providing mere food for children; it prioritizes offering essential daily nutrition. Shockingly, data from the Ministry of Health reveals that 60% of school-aged children attend school without having breakfast, impacting their ability to focus and learn. Skipping breakfast also leads to iron deficiency anemia, potentially causing a decline in IQ levels by up to six points.
Addressing this issue, Uki emphasized the importance of MBG in delivering vital nutrients like iron that are crucial for children’s growth and development. In conjunction with MBG, the government is implementing Free Health Checkups for students, encompassing comprehensive examinations ranging from physical measurements to mental health assessments.
Highlighting the constitutional obligation outlined in Article 28(H), Paragraphs 1 and 3 of the 1945 Constitution guaranteeing the right to health for all citizens, including children, Uki stressed the significance of providing access to healthcare services and ensuring overall public health. The School Revitalization Program represents the third initiative aimed at enhancing the educational environment by renovating 11,440 schools across Indonesia.
Allocating approximately Rp 20 trillion in the 2025 national budget for this program, President Prabowo acknowledges the dire need to address the extensive structural damage affecting schools nationwide. With around 119,700 schools exhibiting varying degrees of damage, the initiative targets the most severely affected schools, with a focus on ensuring a safe and conducive learning environment for all students. Such efforts are particularly crucial for young girls, who often face challenges like inadequate facilities that undermine their safety, dignity, and overall well-being.
Underlying the government’s commitment to prioritizing children’s welfare, these initiatives underscore a holistic approach to safeguarding the future generations of Indonesia.
