SDN 14 Dangin Puri Pupils Develop Independence through Buffet-Style Free Nutritious Meals

Denpasar (ANTARA) – State Elementary School (SDN) 14 Dangin Puri in Denpasar, Bali, is helping pupils develop independence and a sense of responsibility through a trial of the Free Nutritious Meals (MBG) programme using a buffet-style format.

“The programme does teach independence. It teaches children to be responsible and self-reliant by serving food to their friends at the buffet,” said the school’s head, Ni Luh Sriwati, in Denpasar on Tuesday.

She explained that the buffet method is part of an MBG pilot programme in Bali run by the Bali Police, with a central kitchen on Jalan Plawa in Denpasar.

The buffet trial officially began on Monday, 5 October 2026, and is scheduled to run for just ten working days.

Of the 205 pupils from Years 1 to 6 who receive MBG meals at the school, the trial specifically involves 63 older pupils from Years 5 and 6.

“For now, because they are the older pupils in Years 5 and 6, we rotate them. There are five staff members, so the same children do not always serve; the pupils take turns serving one another,” Sriwati said.

Although the format is seen as positive for fostering independence, it has also brought challenges, particularly because it extends the time needed for lunch and shortens break periods.

“So far, things have gone smoothly, but it takes longer—30 minutes more than the previous MBG arrangement, when pupils outside Years 5 and 6 went straight to their meals in food trays,” she said.

The longer serving time leaves pupils with very little break, as the next lesson has to start at 10.00 a.m. Central Indonesia Time.

“Yes, it is tight. Sometimes the children cannot rest; their break ends up being too short because lessons start at 10,” she said.

Despite the challenges, pupils say the buffet meals taste fresher than food served in the compartment trays supplied by the kitchen.

“MBG served buffet-style tastes better than MBG served straight in the trays because it has only just been cooked,” said Made Bagus.

The pupil, who has served his classmates, said he faced a minor challenge when he first took on the role.

“I think it is easy, but because I was not used to using the tongs, I kept dropping the food,” he said.

Nevertheless, his first experience serving his classmates left a strong impression, and he would be keen to do it again.

“Yes, it was my first time, but I would like to be a server again,” he said enthusiastically.

The pupils hope the buffet-style MBG trial will continue, saying the menu changes regularly and the food is delicious.