Minister: School canteens may be involved in free nutritious meal programme

Minister of Primary and Secondary Education (Mendikdasmen) Abdul Mu’ti has confirmed the Free Nutritious Meal (MBG) programme will continue as it enjoys broad support from students, though implementation will be adjusted, including the possibility of involving school canteens as providers of nutritious food.

“The number of pupils receiving MBG is around 43.4 million out of a total of 53.5 million pupils in Indonesia, or about 80.94 per cent. The vast majority hope this programme will continue,” he said during a working visit to Kudus Regency, Central Java, on Saturday.

He said data on MBG recipients is now integrated with the Basic Education Data (Dapodik) system, giving the government complete data on beneficiary students by name, address and respective school.

Although the programme will continue, the government will alter the distribution scheme to ensure it is better targeted. Schools deemed less in need of MBG assistance may no longer receive the programme, while schools with students in greater need will be prioritised.

He also stressed that a number of food poisoning cases that occurred will not serve as a reason to halt the entire MBG programme. According to him, what needs to be done is an evaluation of the problematic food supply kitchens.

“If there is poisoning, what is stopped is the faulty kitchen for evaluation, while good SPPGs will continue. In fact, kitchens that do not meet standards could have their operating permits revoked,” he said.

Abdul Mu’ti considers the MBG programme an important part of the government’s effort to build the quality of Indonesia’s young generation, not only academically but also in terms of health and nutritional fulfilment.

“This generation must be built both academically and physically. Physique is built through MBG, so that Indonesian children can grow up healthy and ready to compete in the future,” he said.