Jakarta (ANTARA) - Minister of Education, Culture, Research, and Technology (Mendikbudristek), Nadiem Anwar Makarim said that primary schools play a very important role in educating students about healthy living behaviors from an early age.
"I always believe that the first condition for children to learn freely and optimally is if their nutrition is fulfilled properly," he noted in the 2022 National Movement (Gernus 2022) webinar, which was followed from Jakarta on Thursday.
According to him, it is important to conduct a nutritional literacy campaign, especially in the midst of Indonesia's efforts to recover from the COVID-19 pandemic.
He informed that all schools have school health units (UKS) for providing guidance on developing clean and healthy living habits to students. The units are being run in an integrated manner through educational programs and health services in schools.
"In addition, the ministry will also launch the 'Healthy School' program, which will prioritize cross-sectoral collaboration to provide healthy food in schools and the implementation of regular sports activities for students," he said.
Makarim also lauded the private sector for consistently initiating and running the Nusantara Movement program, which prioritizes nutritional education for teachers and students across Indonesia.
Through the initiative of the private sector, it is hoped that the program can create healthy, safe, and comfortable educational units for all school residents, especially students, he said.
"I hope that all elements from the government, private sector, education sector, to parents can further strengthen collaboration to build healthy schools and realize the ideals of independent learning," he added.
Read also: Indonesia can control FMD properly: Task force
Read also: Monkeypox suspect tested negative: Ministry