National Nutrition Board Plans to Expand Free Nutritious Meals Programme to Indonesian Migrant Worker Children Abroad

Jakarta — The National Nutrition Board (BGN) is planning to expand the Free Nutritious Meals (MBG) programme to reach the children of Indonesian migrant workers living abroad.

This expansion plan was announced by BGN Head Dadan Hindayana during a visit to the Indonesian School in Jeddah, which educates the children of Indonesian migrant workers in Jeddah, on Sunday 31 May 2026 local time.

Dadan stated that the idea for expanding the MBG service to Jeddah originated from requests made by children at the Indonesian School in Jeddah, who wished to experience the MBG programme just as they would in Indonesia.

According to Dadan, as Indonesian citizens, these children have equal rights to the programme.

Dadan subsequently conducted a survey of the Indonesian School in Jeddah. Approximately 1,080 children of migrant workers are educated at that school. In addition to this school, there is also an Indonesian school in Mecca with approximately 400 students.

“Despite the school holiday at the time, the children at the Indonesian School in Jeddah were enthusiastic about my visit, and about 100 people, including 56 teachers, welcomed me,” he added.