Free Nutritious Meals Buffet Trial Conducted at 66 SPPGs in 10 Provinces

Jakarta (ANTARA) — Indonesia’s National Nutrition Agency (BGN) has trialled buffet-style service for the Free Nutritious Meals (MBG) programme at 66 Nutrition Fulfilment Service Units (SPPGs) across 10 provinces. The pilot aims to improve food presentation and assess operational effectiveness.

Speaking at a press conference after an MBG coordination meeting in Jakarta on Monday, Coordinating Minister for Food Zulkifli Hasan said the buffet trial followed a directive from the President and drew on similar practices in other countries.

He said the trial was intended to address food-distribution challenges, including long delivery times and meals arriving at lower temperatures, which could affect food quality and safety.

Buffet service is also expected to reduce food waste, as pupils can take extra portions according to their needs.

“Some are still hungry and can have more, so there will be no food left over,” Zulkifli said.

BGN head Sudaryono said the results of the one-week trial showed higher food consumption, while meals were fresher and warmer.

“Pupils are also more enthusiastic because, beyond the portions they receive, they can have more if there is food left,” Sudaryono said.

He said the system allows pupils who are still hungry to take additional food, making servings more responsive to beneficiaries’ needs.

However, Sudaryono said the government was still assessing the costs and staffing requirements of introducing the model. The evaluation is examining potential savings as well as any additional operating costs compared with the current serving system.

“We are recalculating and reviewing the operational side to see how much costs might fall — or, potentially, how much they might increase,” he said.

He added that the trial was also being used to identify practical challenges, including staffing requirements and schools’ readiness to adopt buffet service.

According to Sudaryono, schools will need guidance to ensure the service runs in an orderly manner. Support must also be tailored to pupils’ ages, since younger primary-school children have different needs and abilities from those in higher year groups.