Minister of Primary and Secondary Education (Mendikdasmen) Abdul\nMu\u2019ti has confirmed the Free Nutritious Meal (MBG) programme will\ncontinue as it enjoys broad support from students, though implementation\nwill be adjusted, including the possibility of involving school canteens\nas providers of nutritious food.<\/p>\n
\u201cThe number of pupils receiving MBG is around 43.4 million out of a\ntotal of 53.5 million pupils in Indonesia, or about 80.94 per cent. The\nvast majority hope this programme will continue,\u201d he said during a\nworking visit to Kudus Regency, Central Java, on Saturday.<\/p>\n
He said data on MBG recipients is now integrated with the Basic\nEducation Data (Dapodik) system, giving the government complete data on\nbeneficiary students by name, address and respective school.<\/p>\n
Although the programme will continue, the government will alter the\ndistribution scheme to ensure it is better targeted. Schools deemed less\nin need of MBG assistance may no longer receive the programme, while\nschools with students in greater need will be prioritised.<\/p>\n
He also stressed that a number of food poisoning cases that occurred\nwill not serve as a reason to halt the entire MBG programme. According\nto him, what needs to be done is an evaluation of the problematic food\nsupply kitchens.<\/p>\n
\u201cIf there is poisoning, what is stopped is the faulty kitchen for\nevaluation, while good SPPGs will continue. In fact, kitchens that do\nnot meet standards could have their operating permits revoked,\u201d he\nsaid.<\/p>\n
Abdul Mu\u2019ti considers the MBG programme an important part of the\ngovernment\u2019s effort to build the quality of Indonesia\u2019s young\ngeneration, not only academically but also in terms of health and\nnutritional fulfilment.<\/p>\n
\u201cThis generation must be built both academically and physically.\nPhysique is built through MBG, so that Indonesian children can grow up\nhealthy and ready to compete in the future,\u201d he said.<\/p>", "url": "https:\/\/jawawa.id\/newsitem\/minister-school-canteens-may-be-involved-in-free-nutritious-meal-programme-1781362374", "image": "" }, "sponsor": "Okusi Associates", "sponsor_url": "https:\/\/okusiassociates.com" }