SEAMEO RECFON held the “NGTS and ECCNE Appreciation 2025” at the Outstanding Schools and Partners Appreciation event, in conjunction with its 15th Governing Board Meeting (GBM) on 24 September 2025 in Jakarta.

Under the theme “Achievements of NGTS and ECCNE Programs for Optimal Nutrition and Quality Human Resources,” the event recognized schools/madrasahs, as well as partners from local governments, academic institutions, and professional organization for their active contributions to SEAMEO RECFON’s flagship programs — Nutrition Goes to School (NGTS) and Early Childhood Care, Nutrition, and Education (ECCNE).

The event was attended by SEAMEO RECFON Governing Board Members and representatives from the Ministry of Primary and Secondary Education, the Ministry of Religious Affairs, the Ministry of Population and Family Development, Universitas Indonesia, SEAMEO CECCEP, and relevant offices of education authorities.

In total, 18 (eighteen) schools/madrasahs received awards for their achievements in attaining at the institutionalization stage of NGTS Program implementation in education unit level, reflecting the independence of the school/madrasah in implementing the NGTS Program as part of strengthening the School Health Program (UKS/M) and the Healthy School Movement (GSS). Also, 8 (eight) districts received awards for achieving the comprehensive or exemplary stage of ECCNE Program implementation at district level, demonstrating the success of the model for strengthening efforts to reduce the prevalence of stunting carried out by district governments under the umbrella of Holistic Integrative Early Childhood Education (PAUD-HI). 10 (ten) academic partners were also recognized for their technical and mentoring support in implementing these programs. SEAMEO RECFON also recognized HIMPAUDI as a professional organization that supports ECCNE Program implementation.

“The NGTS and ECCNE Programs strengthen nutrition promotion efforts not only in Indonesia but across Southeast Asia,” said Dr.dr. Herqutanto, MPH., MARS., Sp.KKLP, Director of SEAMEO RECFON. “These achievements are more than just numbers — they represent real stories of healthier children, dedicated teachers, and stakeholders who place nutrition at the heart of human development.”

In her virtual remarks, The Secretary General of the Ministry of Primary and Secondary Education, Ir. Suharti, Ph.D., expressed her appreciation to all awardees for their dedication in conducting nutrition education to improve balanced nutrition practices and healthy lifestyles in achieving optimal child growth and development. “Educational institutions that can independently and sustainably implement the NGTS and ECCNE Programs have proven that nutrition and health interventions can be effectively integrated through education,” she affirmed.

Representing the NGTS Program awardees, Delisa, S.Pd., principal of SMP Negeri 8 Sambas, shared that the award serves as a reminder of a long-term commitment. “The NGTS program has broadened the perspectives of teachers, students, and parents on the importance of nutrition, healthy lifestyles in shaping a stronger generation,” she said.

Meanwhile, Paramitha Widya Kusuma, S.E., M.M., Head of Brebes District and the ECCNE Program awardee, affirmed that her district’s development vision aligns with ECCNE’s spirit. “Mothers and families are the cornerstone of civilization, and nutrition education is the foundation for our generation’s future,” she stated.

Madam Dayang Hanna, SEAMEO RECFON Governing Board Chair from Brunei Darussalam, also commended the initiative, noting that it reflects a shared regional commitment. “Collaboration among governments, educators, families, and communities will create a healthier and more equitable future for children,” she remarked.

During the event, SEAMEO RECFON launched three new publications showcasing best practices and program impacts: Transforming Excellent Schools and Madrasahs: Stories of Change through the NGTS Program, second series of ECCNE Best Practices in Indonesia, and SEA-ECCNE Mapping Report.

Through this appreciation event, SEAMEO RECFON reaffirmed its commitment to advancing cross-sectoral partnerships that strengthen nutrition education and foster the development of healthy, capable, and competitive human resources across Southeast Asia.

The following are the recipients of the awards:

Awardees of the NGTS Program Implementation – Institutionalization Phase

1. SDN 08 Sabung Setangga
2. SDN 12 Sei Pinang
3. SDN 14 Trans Sabung
4. SDN 19 Sungai Enau Mejo
5. SMP Muhammadiyah 3 Jakarta
6. SMP Muhammadiyah 30 Jakarta
7. SMP Muhammadiyah 36 Jakarta
8. SMPN 1 Selakau Timur
9. SMPN 1 Sidoharjo
10. SMPN 2 Semparuk
11. SMPN 4 Selakau
12. SMPN 8 Sambas
13. SMA Diponegoro Tumpang
14. SMAN 1 Slawi
15. SMAN 1 Sokaraja
16. SMK Tunas Harapan Pati
17. SMKN 1 Singosari
18. MAN 16 Jakarta

Academic Partners Supporting NGTS Implementation

1. University of Muhammadiyah Prof. Dr. Hamka
2. Health Polytechnic of Malang
3. Health Polytechnic of Pontianak

Awardees of the ECCNE Program

Agung Phase

1. Bangka District Government
2. Brebes District Government
3. East Lombok District Government
4. East Tanjung Jabung District Government

Paripurna Phase

1. Muara Enim District Government
2. Ogan Ilir District Government
3. Sambas District Government
4. Solok District Government

Academic Partners Supporting ECCNE Implementation

1. University of Jambi
2. Health Polytechnic of Pangkal Pinang
3. Health Polytechnic of Padang
4. Health Polytechnic of Palembang
5. University of Sriwijaya
6. Health Polytechnic of Semarang
7. University of Mataram
8. Health Polytechnic of Pontianak

Collaborating Partner

Indonesian Association of Early Childhood Educators and Education Personnel (HIMPAUDI)

The training was attended by principals, teachers, and education personnel from primary (elementary) and secondary schools (junior and senior high) across 147 regencies and cities in 32 provinces throughout Indonesia. A total of 492 participants joined the program, representing educational institutions recommended by the relevant ministries and SEAMEO RECFON’s program sites.

In his opening remarks, Dr. Herqutanto, MPH, MARS, Sp.KKLP—Director of SEAMEO RECFON—emphasized that nutrition and health issues among school-aged children and adolescents remain a critical concern in Indonesia. Citing data from the 2023 Indonesia Health Study (SKI), he noted a stunting prevalence of 14.1% among children and an anemia rate of 22.7% among adolescent girls. He stressed that “Schools and Islamic Schools play a strategic role as learning environments and habit-forming settings for healthy lifestyles. Therefore, efforts to improve child nutrition and health must not rely solely on the health sector; they require cross-sectoral collaboration—including with the education sector, which has direct and consistent access to students.”

The training features qualified resource persons delivering content in an interactive and practical manner. Among them is Catur Budi Santosa, S.E., M.Ak., from the Directorate General of Primary and Secondary Education, who presented on transforming schools into healthy environments by implementing nutrition and health policies at the school level. He underscored the importance of intersectoral collaboration in fostering school environments that support child development, through initiatives such as Healthy Canteens, the “My Plate” program, the Healthy Schools Movement, and periodic health services provided by community health centres. Additionally, the Building Learning Commitment session facilitated by Sari Kusuma, M.Gizi, from SEAMEO RECFON, was designed to cultivate an inclusive and collaborative online classroom atmosphere. In this session, participants were encouraged to get to know one another, form class organisations, and agree on learning commitments as a foundation for the training’s success.

Another key focus was the role of educators as role models in implementing nutrition and health programs. Dr. Zainun Misbah, M.Sc., from SEAMEO RECFON, highlighted that school principals, teachers, and educational personnel significantly influence the adoption of healthy habits within schools. Their exemplary behavior in practising clean and healthy living can inspire sustainable positive changes among students. Additional materials on child and adolescent nutrition and health were delivered by M. Ridwan Ansari, M.Gizi, from Ahmad Dahlan University. In his session, participants were guided to understand the physical and psychological characteristics of children and adolescents, along with common nutritional issues such as micronutrient deficiencies, obesity, and anemia. The session also introduced nutritional status assessment techniques using body weight and height measurements. Ridwan emphasised that a solid understanding by teachers and parents of children’s conditions is crucial in preventing nutritional problems early and fostering child-friendly and healthy school environments.

The training also covered other essential topics, including balanced nutrition guidelines, managing healthy school canteens, clean and healthy living behaviours, utilising school gardens for nutrition education, nutrition and entrepreneurship, integrating character education and religious curricula into healthy school programs, and developing lesson plans and microteaching practices for nutrition education. Participants also gained knowledge on managing the NGTS program and applying School/Islamic School (Madrasah)-Based Management (SBM/M) strategies to improve nutrition and health outcomes.

Throughout the training, all participants were supported by dedicated facilitators and were given access to educational materials and practical guidelines to support program implementation in their respective institutions, including tools to develop follow-up action plans. By strengthening educators’ capacities through this training, SEAMEO RECFON aims to foster a deeply rooted culture of healthy living in schools and Islamic schools, ultimately contributing to improved nutritional status and academic performance among students across Indonesia.

Held at the SEAMEO RECFON building in Salemba, the visit commenced with a warm welcome from the director – Dr Herqutanto, board of directors, managers and staff of SEAMEO RECFON. Also in attendance were the Secretary General of the Ministry of Primary and Secondary Education of the Republic of Indonesia, Madam Suharti, and the Director of the SEAMEO Secretariat, Datuk Dr Habibah Abdul Rahim, along with delegates from the Philippine Department of Education, Embassy of the Republic of Philippines, and Universitas Indonesia.

The visit began with a brief explanation of the history of SEAMEO RECFON. It was shared that since its restructuring in 2010, the centre has grown into a regional centre of excellence in food and nutrition. At that time, the SEAMEO Council president was also from the Philippine Department of Education which highlighted the long-standing bond between SEAMEO RECFON and the Department of Education Philippines.

A guided tour of the laboratories was the main highlight of the visit, beginning with the Molecular Laboratory, where a demonstration was underway showing the sample preparation process for qPCR analysis to detect hookworm infections in six-month-old infants. The explanation was delivered by the Technical Manager, Ms Dwi Yanti, who highlighted the significance of this technology in detecting parasitic infections at an early stage to support child nutrition and health programs. The tour also showcased the qPCR machine, which is capable of identifying parasite DNA even in minute quantities.

The next stop was the Biochemistry Laboratory, accredited under ISO/IEC 17025:2017, which focuses on analysing micronutrient status and inflammatory biomarkers in blood samples. A key feature of this segment was a demonstration of the advanced Quansys Q-Plex 7-Plex Human Micronutrient Assay, which can measure seven essential biomarkers simultaneously using only a small volume of blood. This technology makes SEAMEO RECFON the only laboratory in Indonesia with validated capacity for such testing.

The visit continued to the anthropometry and dietary laboratory, introduced by the Laboratory Quality Manager, Dr Umi Fahmida who noted that SEAMEO RECFON’s anthropometric tools are regarded as the gold standard in national nutrition surveys conducted by the National Research and Innovation Agency (BRIN). It also supports flagship programs of the center implemented in schools, workplaces, and communities. In the area of dietary research, SEAMEO RECFON is well known for its contribution to developing local-specific food-based recommendations, which have been adopted by the Ministry of Health and the National Population and Family Planning Agency (BKKBN) as part of Indonesia’s national stunting reduction efforts.

To conclude the visit, guests were invited to explore the exhibition booths showcasing the work of seven SEAMEO Centres located in Indonesia. In this area, delegates were also offered the opportunity to experience body composition analysis service using TANITA Bioelectrical Impedance Analysis, which quickly and non-invasively measures the fat mass, muscle mass, and visceral fat levels.

This visit by the President of the SEAMEO Council was a momentous occasion for SEAMEO RECFON. Beyond reinforcing the historic ties between SEAMEO RECFON and the Philippine Department of Education, it also opened doors to broader collaborative opportunities among SEAMEO member countries in the fields of nutrition, health, and education. SEAMEO RECFON hopes this visit marks the beginning of even closer cooperation towards building a healthier and more competitive Southeast Asian community.

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The visit commenced at the Academic Senate Meeting Room of the Faculty of Medicine, Universitas Indonesia (UI), Salemba, Central Jakarta, and was attended by 106 participants. Secretary Angara also visited the SEAMEO Regional Centre for Food and Nutrition (RECFON), which is hosted by Universitas Indonesia.

In his welcoming remarks, Prof. Dr. Ir. Heri Hermansyah, S.T., M.Eng., IPU, Rector of Universitas Indonesia, extended a heartfelt greeting to the delegation. He highlighted UI’s strong commitment to improving human resources through nutritional sciences and education. “We want not only to implement excellent programs but also to make a big impact on the communities of Indonesia and Southeast Asia,” he said.

Representing the SEAMEO Secretariat, Datuk Dr. Habibah Abdul Rahim, Director of SEAMEO Secretariat, conveyed her appreciation for Indonesia’s continuous and active role in SEAMEO’s development. She recognized the consistent dedication of the seven SEAMEO Centres in Indonesia, stating, “So when asked which among these seven SEAMEO centres as the good ones, my answer would be they are all good”.

Meanwhile, Madam Suharti, Secretary General of the Ministry of Primary and Secondary Education of the Republic of Indonesia, emphasized within the SEAMEO framework has resulted in concrete programs reaching millions of beneficiaries. “The Ministry of Primary and Secondary Education of Indonesia is fully committed to advancing SEAMEO regional priorities. Under the leadership of Abdul Mu’ti, continue to make efforts to at least six of the seven SEAMEO priority areas,” she stated. She also noted national initiatives such as 13 years of education, the strengthening of character education, and programs for pregnant women and early childhood, all of which reflect Indonesia’s commitment to the SEAMEO Strategic Plan 2021–2030.

In his address, H.E. Mr. Juan Edgardo Angara quoted an Indonesian proverb, “Bersatu kita teguh, bercerai kita runtuh” (United we stand, divided we fall), to illustrate the significance of solidarity and cooperation among Southeast Asian countries in facing global challenges such as the climate crisis and rapid technological developments. “Education stands as our frontline defense and our most powerful strategy for navigating the challenges in the region of Southeast Asia,” he emphasized.

Following the exchange of souvenir, the directors of the seven SEAMEO Centres in Indonesia—BIOTROP, CECCEP, QITEP in Language, QITEP in Mathematics, QITEP in Science, RECFON, and SEAMOLEC—presented their flagship programs and collaborative initiatives with the Philippines in an interactive discussion session.

During this session, Dr. dr. Herqutanto, MPH, MARS, Sp.KKLP, Director of SEAMEO RECFON, delivered a presentation outlining RECFON’s programs, achievements, and collaborative efforts. He reaffirmed the Centre’s commitment to becoming a hub of excellence in food and nutrition. “Our initial focus has been on school-based nutrition, later, when the model has been implemented and proven successful, we were thinking of expanding this to probably workers in consent or manufacturing something like that”.

The event continued with a group photo session and a visit to the SEAMEO RECFON building in Salemba, Central Jakarta. There, Secretary Angara and his entourage toured the laboratories and small exhibition showcasing innovations and priority programs from each of the SEAMEO Centres in Indonesia. Each Centre highlighted its strategic role in fostering excellence and well-being in human resources through education and research, in line with its respective mandates.

This visit served as tangible evidence of the strengthening of regional cooperation in Southeast Asia and reflected a shared spirit of commitment to delivering practical solutions to challenges in education and public health. SEAMEO and its member countries remain steadfast in promoting cross-sector collaboration, sharing best practices, and enhancing synergy to ensure a healthier, smarter, and more competitive generation.

Photo Courtesy: Ministry of Primary and Secondary Education, Indonesia

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Email: information@seameo-recfon.org

In her opening remarks, Prof. Dr. Nani Solihati, M.Pd., Vice-Rector III for Research, Community Engagement, Publications, and Innovation of UHAMKA, emphasized the importance of the workshop in raising awareness of the connection between nutrition and productivity. “If teachers and education personnel have poor nutrition, how can they maintain high enthusiasm for teaching and working? Good nutrition quality has a direct impact on performance and overall well-being” she stated.

Meanwhile, Dr. dr. Herqutanto, MPH., MARS., Sp.KKLP, Acting Director of SEAMEO RECFON, expressed his appreciation to UHAMKA and Universitas Pembangunan Nasional Veteran Jakarta (UPNVJ) for their contributions to the NGTW study. He highlighted that the event aimed to ensure that the developed nutrition training curriculum is highly relevant and applicable to education personnel. “We seek to establish cross-sectoral synergy to ensure the program optimal implementation, from pilot stages to full-scale execution and expansion in the future” he explained.

The session was moderated by Dr. Helda Khusun, Senior Expert of SEAMEO RECFON and Lecturer of UHAMKA, and featured experts who presented their feedback towards the result of the study as well as the curriculum plan.  They were Prof. dr. Muchtarudin Mansyur, MS, SpOK, PhD from Universitas Indonesia; Dr. Meliyanti, S.Kom, M.Si from Directorate General of Teachers, Education Personnel, and Teacher Education, Ministry of Primary and Secondary Education; Dr. Tresye Widiastuty Paidi, M.K.M, Directorate of Labour Inspectorate and Occupational Health and Safety Examiners, Ministry of Manpower; Dr. R. Giri Wurjandaru, Directorate of Health Promotion and Community Empowerment, Ministry of Health; and Dr. Gufron Amirullah, M.Pd, Primary and Secondary Education Council of Muhammadiyah Central Leadership. The study, conducted in 2024, involved 611 educators from schools in Jakarta, Bogor, and Depok.

The findings revealed that many teachers and education personnel in these regions experience nutritional and health issues such as obesity, vitamin D deficiency, and undiagnosed hypertension. A lack of awareness regarding nutritional status and healthy lifestyles was identified as a key factor contributing to these conditions. Consequently, the NGTW program was designed to address these challenges through a three-phased approach program, comprising initiation, strengthening, and institutionalization stages.

Discussions led to several key agreements, including the necessity of refining the program framework and the training curriculum to align with the current institutional set up and field challenges. Additionally, the criteria for pilot schools were established as models for program implementation, alongside commitments from various stakeholders to support the NGTW training trial scheduled for 2025.

Through this initiative, SEAMEO RECFON aims to enhance cross-sectoral collaboration in fostering a healthier working environment for educators. Looking ahead, the NGTW program is expected to be expanded to various regions across Indonesia, ultimately improving workers’ well-being and supporting the achievement of quality education.

The event was attended by six SEAMEO Centres in Indonesia, namely SEAMEO BIOTROP, SEAMEO CECCEP, SEAMEO RECFON, SEAMEO QITEP in Language, SEAMEO QITEP in Mathematics, and SEAMEO QITEP in Science, with SEAMEO RECFON represented by Dr. Dwi Nastiti Iswarawanti.

The report highlights the benefits and challenges of integrating technology into the region’s education systems. SEAMOLEC contributed to the report’s development in collaboration with UNESCO, SEAMEO Secretariat, and EdTech Hub. The report explores how technology can serve as a transformative tool for education to support Southeast Asia’s development.

Developed through extensive research, the report incorporates case studies from various countries and thematic studies conducted by SEAMEO centres. These studies cover topics such as open and distance learning, the use of technology for students with disabilities, the integration of technology in teaching practices, key policies on information and communication technology (ICT) in education, and the application of technology in technical and vocational education.

As part of the national launch, a panel discussion was held under the theme “Digitalizing Education: Enhancing Access, Quality, and Learning Effectiveness.” The discussion featured three speakers: Irsyad Zamjani, Ph.D (Education Standard, Curriculum, and Assessment Agency), Mohammad Adning, Ph.D (Center for Data and Information Technology), and Dr. Medira Ferayanti, S.S., M.A (Directorate General of Teachers, Education Personnel, and Teacher Education). The session was moderated by Prof. Dr Siswantoyo, S.Pd., M.Kes., AIFO (Universitas Negeri Yogyakarta).

The report identifies key challenges in leveraging technology for education in Southeast Asia, including equity and inclusion, learning quality, efficiency, and regulation. To maximise the benefits of technology in education, the report underlined the importance of ensuring equitable access for all learners, implementing sound regulatory and governance frameworks, and strengthening teachers’ capacity to effectively integrate technology into teaching and learning.

The national launch of the 2023 GEM report serves as a strategic moment for education stakeholders to formulate more inclusive and effective technology-driven policies. By optimising the use of technology, the quality of learning in Southeast Asia is expected to continue improving, contributing to the region’s sustainable development.

This training was attended by 32 participants, consisting of students from Madrasah Aliyah (MA) Darul Fallah, pesantren representatives, as well as instructors and facilitators from SEAMEO RECFON and UIKA Bogor. The training aimed to improve students’ knowledge on adolescent nutrition and health, while equipping them with the skills to perform nutrition education as an agent of change in promoting awareness and adopting balanced nutrition practices in the pesantren environment.

In his opening remarks, Ismail Saleh, M.Pd, the Principal of MA Darul Fallah, expressed his appreciation for the collaboration with UIKA and SEAMEO RECFON through the NGTS Program, particularly regarding waste management, which aligns with the school’s vision as an Agricultural Pesantren. Additionally, he mentioned that Darul Fallah Pesantren is also involved in the pilot program of Free Nutritious Meals (Makan Bergizi Gratis), a national program initiative by the Indonesian government.

This one-day training covered a wide range of topics, including “The role of peer counsellors in promoting a healthy lifestyle”, was delivered by Retty Putri Utami Dwipa, M.Sc. (SEAMEO RECFON); “Adolescent Nutrition and Health” and “Balanced Nutrition Guidelines” were presented by Humaira Anggie Nauli, MKM (UIKA Bogor); and“Mobilising the School Community and Effective Communication” as well as “Utilising School Media for Nutrition Education” were delivered by Cahya Ayu Agustin, M.Gizi (SEAMEO RECFON).

To enhance participants’ understanding, the training also included practical sessions, such as measuring body weight and body height to determine nutritional status based on Body Mass Index (BMI) for Age using WHO Growth Chart, as well as planning the balance nutritious menu for adolescent based on the “Isi Piringku” concept. At the end of the training, participants were guided in developing a Nutrition Education Activity Plan as an Action Plan. Dr. Luh Ade Ari Wiradnyani shared tips and tricks for developing a best Action Plan for Nutrition Education Activities.

Through group discussions, participants successfully proposed several nutrition education activities to be implemented in the pesantren environment, one of which is conducting Regular Physical Exercise Together to improve body fitness. After this training, the Adolescent Nutrition Peer-Counsellors are expected to implement the Action Plan that has been developed.

This training served as an appreciation for the commitment and active participation of the four schools in adapting the Nutrition Goes to School (NGTS) Program into I-HELP. Additionally, it strengthens the implementation of I-HELP in DKI Jakarta, particularly in the partner schools.

In her opening remarks, Dr. Dwi Nastiti Iswarawanti, Deputy Director for Program of SEAMEO RECFON, emphasised that good health and nutrition are key to supporting adolescent growth and academic achievement. “Through the I-HELP Program, we strive to create a school environment that not only supports academics but also fosters healthy habits aligned with Islamic values. We hope this training will enhance participants’ capacity to implement better nutrition and health practices in their respective schools,” she stated.

The training began with a “Building Learning Commitment” session, aimed at establishing a shared learning commitment through introductions among participants, facilitators, and organizers. Participants also shared their experiences in implementing nutrition and health programs in their schools. During this session, Helda Khusun, PhD (SEAMEO RECFON) and Nursyifa Rahma Maulida, M.Gizi (UHAMKA) underlined the importance of creating a supportive and collaborative academic environment to facilitate effective learning.

This one-day training covered a wide range of topics, including “Adolescent Nutrition and Health” and “NGTS Management as a Strengthening Approach for the School Health Unit and School-Based Management” by Helda Khusun, PhD (SEAMEO RECFON); “Nutrition Status Measurement” by Training Facilitators; “Balanced Nutrition Guidelines” and “Lesson Planning and Action Plan” by Nursyifa Rahma Maulida, M.Gizi (UHAMKA).

Following the training, participants developed and presented their Action Plans for implementation in their respective schools.

This training provided teachers with comprehensive knowledge and practical skills to educate students on the importance of nutrition and health. By mastering adolescent nutrition, balanced nutrition guidelines, nutrition status measurement, and NGTS management within the School Health Unit and School-Based Management, teachers are expected to create healthier school environments that support student well-being. Through the implementation of Lesson Plans and Action Plans, teachers now have concrete strategies to integrate nutrition education into classroom activities.