Indonesia maintains meal nutrition standards in free school feeding programme shift to dry food

“Meeting nutritional content requirements remains our top priority. In fact, the government has stationed nutritionists in all MBG kitchens,” he remarked when monitoring the distribution of dry food under the program in Malang City, East Java, on Tuesday. Speaking at Public High School (SMAN) 3 of Malang, Hasan emphasized that operators of MBG kitchens, particularly their nutrition supervisors, are required to ensure that each MBG package contains adequate protein, carbohydrates, and fiber. He also highlighted Ramadan adjustments to meal mechanisms, noting that delivery to Islamic boarding schools is delayed to hours leading to iftar, while distribution to non-Muslim pupils in conventional schools continues as usual. The minister further added, “Distribution to pregnant women, under-five children, and breastfeeding mothers proceeds normally as well.” Hasan went on to renew the government’s commitment to expanding coverage of the national program, which has served more than 60 million people since January 2025, by collecting data on schools not yet reached. In that regard, he confirmed that Public Islamic High School (MAN) 2 of Malang City is among those remaining beyond the program. “I have asked the school to submit prospective recipient data so that we can immediately extend the MBG program there. The same instruction applies to uncovered boarding schools,” the minister stated. Meanwhile, Principal of SMAN 3 Malang, Sasongko, reported that MBG dry food had reached 1,060 pupils and 98 staff members at the school. “Pupils can bring home the food for breaking fast later,” he said. Separately, Principal of MAN 2 Malang, Samsudin, said his side had begun verification of the number of students and staff members that will receive MBG packages. “We have 1,572 students, alongside 208 teachers and educational staff members,” he noted, adding that the school will follow up on Minister Hasan’s order with technical coordination. Related news: BGN mandates supplier diversification for free meals program Related news: Minister demands full regional backing for free meals program Related news: Indonesia adopts budget efficiency earlier than the US: Prabowo Translator: A. Pradana, Tegar Nurfitra Copyright © ANTARA 2026