Jakarta, October 15, 2026 – The Ministry of Primary and Secondary Education (Kemendikdasmen), through the Primary and Secondary Education Policy Agency (BKPDM), in collaboration with the National Food Agency, is strengthening food and nutrition education in educational institutions by releasing the Locally Resource-Based Food and Nutrition Guide. This guide is expected to help educators introduce nutritious food choices available locally and foster healthy eating habits from an early age.
The Head of the National Development Planning Agency (BKPDM), Toni Toharudin, stated that nutritional needs must go hand in hand with improving the quality of education. He stated that daily food intake plays a crucial role in supporting students' growth, health, and readiness to learn.
"Teachers can prepare lessons very well, but children also need a supportive physical condition to be able to concentrate and participate optimally," said Toni during the release and socialization of the guidelines at the Ministry of Primary and Secondary Education office in Jakarta on Wednesday (14/10).
He explained that Indonesia boasts a diverse array of local food resources, including sources of carbohydrates, protein, vegetables, and fruits. This potential needs to be introduced to students so they understand that nutritious food choices can be found locally, tailored to the region's resources and their nutritional needs.
Through this guide, educators are expected to encourage students to identify food ingredients around them, discuss healthy menu options, and learn how to select, prepare, and store food while maintaining hygiene and food safety. This learning can be conducted in a contextual and enjoyable manner, making the knowledge gained easier to understand and apply to everyday life.
Toni added that this effort aligns with the 7 Habits of Great Indonesian Children Movement, particularly the promotion of healthy and nutritious eating habits. Developing these habits requires understanding, role modeling, and consistent practice within the school and family environment. Schools, including through the provision of healthy and safe food options in the cafeteria, and parental involvement, play a crucial role in supporting these habits.
"The success of this guide will be evident when our children increasingly understand healthy food choices, schools increasingly support nutritious eating habits, and families also strengthen these habits," he said.
The Deputy for Consumption Diversification and Food Security of the National Food Agency, Andriko Noto Susanto, stated that the preparation of the guidelines is a step to strengthen cross-sector synergy in developing quality and competitive Indonesian human resources by strengthening food and nutrition literacy based on local resources.
According to him, a person's habits and consumption patterns are formed from childhood. Therefore, food and nutrition education needs to be provided from an early age so that children become accustomed to recognizing and consuming nutritious foods, and carry these habits into adulthood.
He also stated that this guide is expected to serve as a reference for educational units, educators, education personnel, parents, and stakeholders in integrating food and nutrition education into learning and habituation in the school environment.
As a follow-up, the Ministry of Elementary and Secondary Education, together with the National Food Agency, plans to develop modules tailored to elementary, middle, and high school levels so that teachers can implement the guidelines.
Through this collaboration, food and nutrition education based on local resources is expected to increase the understanding of educators, parents, and students regarding diverse, nutritious, balanced, and safe foods, while also encouraging the formation of healthy eating habits at school and at home. This effort is part of strengthening education that supports students' healthy growth, meaningful learning experiences, and optimal development of their potential. ***(Author: Rayhan / Editor: Destya, Seno H / Documentation: BKPDM Team)
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