Meeting National Nutrition Needs through Capacity, Knowledge, Information, Innovation and Cross-Sector Collaboration

Meeting national nutrition needs requires coordinated work across sectors. Success depends on connecting policy, scientific evidence, implementation capacity, appropriate innovation and long-term collaboration. Amid abundant data, our greatest challenge is no longer simply producing information, but ensuring that knowledge can be accessed, understood and translated into practical action. Center of Excellence Pemenuhan Gizi Nasional (CoE-PGN) provides a strategic space that connects scientific research with policy and practice in the field.

The launch of CoE-PGN was attended by the Minister of National Development Planning/Head of Bappenas, Prof. Rachmat Pambudy; Minister of Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs), Maman Abdurrahman; Head of Badan Gizi Nasional (BGN), Dadan Hindayana; United Nations International Children’s Emergency Fund (UNICEF) representative Manisa Zaman; and representatives of other development partners involved in implementing the Free Nutritious Meals (MBG) programme.

According to pom.go.id, Minister of National Development Planning/Head of Bappenas Rachmat Pambudy explained in his remarks that the MBG programme aims to support economic growth, poverty reduction and the development of skilled human resources.

“The main goal of MBG is to build a healthy, intelligent and productive generation towards Golden Indonesia 2045,” said Rachmat Pambudy.

A Shared Space for Meeting National Nutrition Needs

CoE-PGN was established as a centre of excellence connecting policy, research, learning, innovation and implementation experience. The Free Nutritious Meals (MBG) programme is one strategic initiative it can support, while its work extends beyond this programme.

This role makes CoE-PGN relevant to strengthening cooperation with ministries and agencies, local governments, academics and researchers, health professionals and educators, programme implementers, civil society organisations, businesses and development partners.

Four Interconnected Areas of Work

Capacity Building

This area supports people and institutions in developing their capabilities through curricula, modules, cascading training, mentoring and practice-based learning.

Research and Innovation

This area helps generate and disseminate relevant evidence to understand needs, test approaches, improve programme design and support decision-making.

Knowledge Management

This area brings together data and information to collect, curate and share learning resources, good practices, activity results and lessons so that more stakeholders can use them.

Integrated Systems Approach

This area recognises the connections between food and nutrition, education, health, technology, agriculture and marine resources, alongside an inclusive approach involving diverse stakeholders.

The Website as a Gateway to Knowledge and Collaboration

The website of CoE-PGN is being developed to do more than showcase the institution. This platform is intended to function as a knowledge hub, learning hub, collaboration hub and innovation hub, as well as an official communication channel. For government and programme implementers, the website can provide a gateway to guidance, learning, good practices and policy references. For academics and researchers, the website can help identify studies, publications and opportunities for knowledge exchange. For educators, families and the public, the website can offer materials that are easier to understand and use in everyday life. The value of the website depends on more than the number of documents it stores. Value emerges when resources are well curated, updated, contextualised and connected to programmes and user needs.

From Information to Action

CoE-PGN invites stakeholders to view national nutrition efforts as a learning ecosystem. Knowledge from policy, research, training and field practice needs to flow in both directions: from the national level to the regions, and from regional experience back into shared learning. Through capacity building, research and innovation, knowledge management and an integrated systems approach, CoE-PGN is expected to help stakeholders find relevant references, learn from experience and build more purposeful collaboration.

Explore CoE-PGN programmes, articles, events and knowledge resources to find the starting point that best meets your needs.