Video: House Budget Committee Reveals Success Indicators for the Free Nutritious Meal Programme

Jakarta, CNBC Indonesia - Deputy Chairman of the House of Representatives’ Budget Committee, Wihadi Wijayanto, has positively assessed the National Nutrition Agency’s move to enhance the effectiveness of state budget usage in the Free Nutritious Meal programme through more efficient and targeted spending patterns and budget refocusing, including the distribution of meals five days a week. The five-day policy is deemed effective given that student activities are centred on these five days, with meals not provided on holidays. This efficiency not only maintains the sustainability of the programme but also ensures its circular economic impact is preserved. The House Budget Committee is also encouraging improvements in the governance of raw material procurement and the strengthening of food quality and staff budgets within the Nutrition Fulfilment Service Units. Parliament has also requested that schools exercise control over the services provided by these units regarding the quality of the menu offered. Parliament assesses the success of the programme through the fulfilment of children’s nutrition as a long-term investment. Furthermore, the programme is considered successful when it can drive micro, small, and medium enterprises and absorb labour, consequently reducing the Gini ratio.