Minister: Free Nutritious Meals Programme to Target Only Students in Need
The Ministry of Primary and Secondary Education (Kemendikdasmen) is currently drafting various policy scenarios regarding the management of school canteens and other services that will be integrated with the Free Nutritious Meal (MBG) programme. The Minister of Primary and Secondary Education, Abdul Mu’ti, stated that no final decision has been made regarding the technical mechanisms on the ground. His office continues to conduct intensive coordination and in-depth studies alongside the National Nutrition Agency (BGN).
“There is no decision yet. Our last meeting with the BGN was held at the office, and we are still drafting various policy scenarios to ensure the MBG programme can run as effectively as possible,” he explained. He added that any policy adopted must undergo thorough assessment.
Although the technical mechanism for canteens has not yet been finalised, the Minister revealed one crucial point agreed upon during the ministerial-level meeting. He noted that the MBG programme will not be distributed generally to all students, but will instead target those who truly require it.
“The recipients of the free nutritious meals will not be everyone, but those who are indeed in need. However, we are also arranging the mechanism to ensure this policy can be implemented,” he clarified.
According to the Minister, the primary philosophy of the programme introduced by the President is to build a physically healthy generation free from stunting. Therefore, the principles of justice and precise targeting are top priorities.
Furthermore, Kemendikdasmen views the MBG programme as more than just nutritional fulfilment or communal eating at school. The Ministry is committed to using this momentum as an instrument to strengthen student character. The Ministry has also published a special guidebook that marries the healthy eating programme with the character curriculum.
“Free nutritious meals are not just about eating; they are also part of strengthening character education in schools,” he said. Consequently, the Ministry has issued various guidelines on how character education can be integrated with nutritious meals.
He added that this activity is also part of the “7 Habits” movement, with one of its key objectives being to instil the culture of healthy and nutritious eating among the younger generation.
While Kemendikdasmen acts as the agency overseeing the largest number of beneficiaries, the Minister emphasised that the final decision regarding regulations and umbrella policies remains under the control of the National Nutrition Agency (BGN) as the leading sector.
“We are certainly continuing to coordinate, but the final umbrella policies will, of course, be announced by the National Nutrition Agency, as the institution that holds the authority to organise such matters,” he concluded.