Ministry of Social Affairs Prepares Transition Scheme for Independent Kitchens in People's Schools

Agus Jabo made this statement while attending the Coordinating Meeting of the People’s Schools Operational Control Task Force at Sentra Inten Soeweno, Cibinong, Bogor Regency, West Java, today. The meeting discussed the monitoring and evaluation of the performance of educational personnel cooks and the discipline of civil servants in People’s Schools.

“Going forward, once the new academic year begins, we must cook using the kitchens already available in People’s Schools,” said Agus Jabo in a written statement on Wednesday (6/5/2026).

He explained that currently, meal provision for students in pilot People’s Schools uses a catering system. Agus Jabo stated that his side is preparing regulations and a gradual transition scheme from the catering system to independent kitchens.

Agus Jabo stressed that the preparation process should be thorough and careful.

“The transition from the catering system to independent kitchen management must be carried out carefully and in a planned manner,” he said.

Agus Jabo mentioned that his side will identify which schools have already received cooking equipment and recruited cooks.

“This is important, so the recommendation we need to prepare is identification. Identification of People’s Schools that have now received equipment and have recruited cooks,” he added.

Agus Jabo also conveyed that this meal service is directly related to the health of the students in People’s Schools.

Therefore, he emphasised that there should be no compromise on quality, safety, and integrity in providing food for the students.

“So, if possible, improve the quality. Why? Because this is in their own home (independent kitchen of People’s Schools), the equipment is their own. Previously, it was handled by others (catering), now it’s our own. So, there should be no compromise on quality,” said Agus Jabo.

“So, the most important issues are nutrition and food safety. Hygienic, safe processing, and compliance with balanced nutrition principles,” he concluded.

Also present at the meeting were the Acting Inspector General of the Ministry of Social Affairs and Chairman of the Task Force, Dody Sukmono, Minister’s Special Staff for Social Accessibility, Abdul Muis, and officials from the Ministry of Social Affairs.