National Nutrition Agency Head Seeks Prabowo's Approval for Free School Meals Pilot in Jeddah

Head of the National Nutrition Agency Dadan Hindayana is awaiting President Prabowo Subianto’s approval to implement the Free School Meals (MBG) programme for students at the Indonesian School in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia.

“We have come to assess and will report to the President whether it is possible to establish a Nutrition Service Unit (SPPG) at the Indonesian School in Jeddah,” Dadan said when interviewed at King Abdul Aziz Airport in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, on Sunday evening, 31 May 2026.

“If approved by the President, this will be the first overseas pilot of the MBG programme,” he added.

Dadan stated that the initiative began after requests from students at the Indonesian School in Jeddah who wanted to experience the MBG programme as in Indonesia.

According to Dadan, as Indonesian citizens, they have equal rights.

“They are well-informed about the MBG programme in Indonesia and spontaneously wish to enjoy the benefits experienced by their peers,” he said.

In addition to the Jeddah school, there is also an Indonesian school in Makkah with approximately 400 students.

“Despite it being a holiday, the students were enthusiastic about my visit, with around 100 people, including 56 teachers, welcoming me,” he added.