Schools Affected by Mount Anak Krakatau Eruption Implement Remote Learning, Free Nutritious Meals Temporarily Suspended

Jakarta, VIVA – The National Nutrition Agency (BGN) has made temporary adjustments to the Free Nutritious Meals (MBG) programme in areas affected by the eruption of Mount Anak Krakatau, responding to the remote learning (PJJ) policy as a protective measure for pupils and school communities.

Khairul Hidayati, Head of BGN’s Legal and Public Relations Bureau, said in Jakarta on Monday that the operational adjustment to MBG is intended to ensure the programme continues to run safely and responsively to the emergency conditions in affected areas.

Remote learning begins on 7 September 2026, with durations adjusted according to conditions and the policies of each regional government.

In line with the policy, MBG operations for beneficiaries at educational institutions have also been temporarily suspended for as long as in-person learning is cancelled.

“The safety of students and all members of the school community is the primary consideration in adjusting MBG operations. When the learning process is shifted to remote learning, the mechanism for providing MBG at schools also needs to be adjusted so that its implementation remains on target, safe, and aligned with the policy for handling the emergency situation,” she said.

The remote learning policy refers to Regulation of the Minister of Education and Culture Number 33 of 2019 on Disaster-Safe Educational Institutions, as well as Circular of the Minister of Primary and Secondary Education Number 1 of 2026 on Learning in Emergency Situations. These regulations serve as one of the bases for ensuring the educational process continues to take into account aspects of safety and preparedness when educational institutions are in a disaster or emergency situation.

Based on data as of Sunday, 6 September, remote learning is being implemented in affected areas with varying durations according to how the situation develops. In Lampung Province, remote learning will last two days, from 7–8 September 2026, while Banten Province will implement it for three days, from 7–9 September 2026.

For the DKI Jakarta region, remote learning began on 7 September 2026, with a duration yet to be determined, to be adjusted based on how conditions develop and further policies from the regional government.

Hida emphasised that the temporary suspension of MBG operations at educational institutions should not be interpreted as a halt to the programme, but rather as an operational adjustment due to the change in learning mechanisms under emergency conditions.

“This adjustment is temporary and follows the dynamics of conditions in each region. BGN will continue to monitor developments and coordinate with regional governments and relevant stakeholders so that MBG operations can be readjusted when conditions permit,” she said.