The Free Nutritious Meals Program (MBG) Policy as an Instrument for Human Resource Development Between the Reality of Implementation and Legal Ideals

Abstract

Human resource development is the main foundation for successful national development, where nutritional quality is a determining factor in improving the health, education, and productivity of the community. The Free Nutritious Meals Programme (MBG) was introduced as a strategic government policy to reduce stunting rates and strengthen human resource development through nutritional interventions in schools. However, legally and empirically, the implementation of MBG still faces a gap between das sollen (legal ideals) and das sein (implementation realities). From a legal perspective, the absence of clear hierarchical regulations has resulted in weak accountability, food quality standards, and inter-agency coordination. Meanwhile, from a policy perspective, disparities in quality between regions, potential health risks, and fiscal sustainability challenges have been identified. This study uses a qualitative method with a normative-analytical approach through literature review to examine the compatibility between legal norms and MBG policy practices. The results show that MBG must be placed within the framework of a rechtstaat by strengthening the legal basis, food safety standards, equitable access, and cross-sector integration. Strengthening regulatory and governance aspects is expected to enable MBG to become not just a social programme, but a legal instrument that guarantees children's rights to adequate nutrition and promotes sustainable and equitable human resource development in Indonesia.