Indonesian Government Free Lunch Program

Indonesian Government Free Lunch Program

By : Agnes Adonnara
Accepted Date : 21 February 2025

    Good nutrition is the foundation for children's growth and development and according to the World Health Organization (WHO), Indonesia ranks 27th out of 154 countries for stunting cases or what we commonly call malnutrition. This is the basis for the government to provide a free lunch program from the government to be a real step to ensure all Indonesian children from elementary school to high school to get the nutrition they need. Therefore, I believe that by the free lunch program we understand that lunch is not just a time to fill the stomach but also hats an important role to improve children's learning concentration and meet their nutritional needs and save the financial expenses of all Indonesian families.

    First of all, the Faculty of Medicine of Unair has researched that children who regularly have lunch with balanced nutrition have better concentration levels. The WHO also observed that children who attend school for a full day, especially during the daytime, have long hours that can reduce one of the important nutrients, namely glucose or what we commonly know as blood sugar levels, which is the main source of energy for the brain. So the lack of glucose can reduce the level of concentration which has an impact on academic performance therefore a balanced lunch can keep blood sugar stable to prevent fatigue while concentrating.

    Secondly, the Indonesian government will complete all nutrition through a free lunch program managed by the national nutrition agency (BGN). However, each region has different food sources, so the government will utilize local resources that will be supervised by the national nutrition agency to ensure that each meal in each region meets the nutritional standards needed by children. For example, in the city of Palangkaraya, Central Kalimantan. The area is located on a large land area adjacent to a large river so the national nutrition agency can utilize fish and poultry to meet the protein standards.

    And finally, with free lunches, all Indonesian families can significantly ease their financial burden. Because parents no longer need to prepare lunch, saving daily expenses. The saved funds can be used for other more pressing needs such as education, health, or other household needs. And also with children who already feel fulfilled hunger can reduce the feeling to buy carelessly meal which is not guaranteed nutrition and cleanliness so that it also saves shopping money given. And based on the average pocket money given to children they get as much as 20-30 thousand per day, and if they save some of the money such as 10-15 thousand, then our children can save 200-300 thousand per month. And this is a good thing because it provides an opportunity to save which has a big impact on preparing for their future.

    So that with the presence of a free lunch program from the government, all Indonesian families can have good benefits from helping to improve concentration while studying, meet their nutritional needs, and saving daily expenses for more urgent matters even for the future of their children.

Plastic Is The Main Cause of Damage to The School Environment

 Plastic Is The Main Cause of Damage 

to The School Environment 

By : Saffana Nuraniyyah
Accepted Date : 14 February 2025

    Plastic is a synthetic material made from polymers and is widely used in daily life because it is lightweight, durable and affordable. This material is often used for wrapping goods or food. Excessive and poorly managed plastic use causes environmental damage. Plastic is the main cause of various school environmental problems such as pollution, aesthetic damage, and also affects the health of the school community. I believe that plastic is the main cause of damage to the school environment.

    First, plastic waste is carelessly thrown away can pollute the school area and contaminate the soil. According to an article from LIPI (Lembaga Ilmu Pengetahuan Indonesia), chemicals from plastic can seep into the ground and reduce soil fertility.

    Second, plastic waste scattered around the school makes the environment look dirty, uncomfortable, and unattractive. It creates the impression that the school is not well-maintained and unhealthy, which can negatively affect the school's overall appearance.

    Third, a dirty environment filled with plastic waste can become a breeding ground for diseases. Plastic waste can attract mosquitoes, flies, and rats, which may spread diseases such as dengue fever, diarrhea, and leptospirosis. This information comes from the Ministry of Health. Additionally, burning plastic waste can pollute the air and cause respiratory problems like asthma, as stated by WHO. BPOM (Badan Pengawas Obat dan Makanan) also warns that harmful chemicals from plastic can contaminate food and drinks if stored in unsuitable containers. Therefore, plastic waste not only harms the environment but also poses health risks.

    Plastic is a serious threatmen to the school environment cousing widespread negative impacts, including pollution, aesthetic damage, and health risks for the school environment.

The Negative Impact of Burnout on Academics and Social Life in High School Students

    The Negative Impact of Burnout on Academics 

and Social Life in High School Students

By : Amelia Christabel Rudji
Accepted Date : 14 February 2025

    The increasing academic and social pressures on high school students often lead to burnout. Burnout is a prolonged state of stress characterized by physical, mental, and emotional exhaustion. I believe that burnout can significantly impact a student's health and academic performance. Additionally, the complexities of social life can add to a student's emotional stress. 

    The first impact is on students' physical and mental health. According to a study by the American Psychological Association (APA), about 60% of students report feeling anxious or stressed due to academic pressure, which contributes to sleep disorders, headaches, and digestive problems. Constant emotional exhaustion can also increase the risk of mental disorders like depression and anxiety. For example, students who experience insomnia due to burnout may face a drop in physical stamina, worsening their mental condition. This creates a difficult cycle where physical and mental health issues worsen each other.  

    The next impact is on students' academic performance. A study by the National Health Service (NHS) shows that severe stress caused by burnout can reduce focus and concentration in learning, leading to lower grades. Students who usually excel in class may suddenly lose motivation, feel unable to complete assignments, or even perform poorly on exams. As a result, burnout harms not only short-term learning ability but also long-term academic development.  

    Lastly, the impact appears in students' social lives and interpersonal relationships. According to data from the Journal of Adolescent Health, around 40% of students experiencing burnout report difficulties in maintaining social relationships. They lose interest in joining extracurricular activities or socializing with peers, making them feel isolated and lonely. Additionally, burnout complicates communication with parents and teachers, who are supposed to be their main support. Students who feel mentally exhausted often hesitate to talk about their problems, either because they feel misunderstood or fear being seen as weak. Consequently, they become isolated and struggle to communicate with parents and teachers. 

    Thus, it is important for student, parents, and schools to work together to create a supportive enviroment and reduce academic and social preassure to prevent and handle burnout effectively.