24 September 2025

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)