BGN Studies Involving School Canteens to Support Free Nutritious Meal Programme

The National Nutrition Agency (BGN) is currently studying the potential involvement of school canteens in the implementation of the Free Nutritious Meal (MBG) programme as part of efforts to strengthen its effectiveness in the field. BGN Deputy Head Agustina Arumsari stated that this review is part of the evaluation and refinement process for the programme’s governance, as directed by President Prabowo Subianto. “We continue to study various schemes so that the implementation of the Free Nutritious Meal programme becomes more effective, efficient, and able to reach beneficiaries while prioritising food safety standards, nutritional quality, and good governance,” Agustina said after attending a limited meeting at the Presidential Palace on Wednesday (15/7). According to Agustina, the involvement of school canteens is still in the study phase, conducted jointly with relevant ministries and agencies. The review covers various aspects, from the readiness of facilities and infrastructure, management capacity, hygiene and sanitation standards, to oversight mechanisms to ensure implementation complies with applicable regulations. BGN emphasised that any development of the MBG programme’s implementation scheme will be carried out in stages, based on study results, and guided by the precautionary principle. All decisions will consider the programme’s effectiveness as well as the best interests of students as beneficiaries. Through a comprehensive evaluation process and collaboration with various stakeholders, BGN hopes the Free Nutritious Meal programme can continue to evolve into an adaptive, high-quality initiative that sustainably supports improving the nutritional status of Indonesia’s young generation.