Indonesian govt studies school canteens' role in free meals

Yogyakarta (ANTARA) - Indonesia is still assessing whether school canteens will participate in the Free Nutritious Meals (MBG) program, while the government has decided the aid will target only students most in need, Education Minister Abdul Mu'ti said.

“No decision has been made on the role of school canteens and other supporting services. Everything must undergo thorough assessment to ensure the MBG program runs well,” Mu'ti said on Sunday.

He said ministers had agreed the program would target only students in need, rather than all students.

“The ministerial meeting decided the MBG program will not be provided to all students, but only to those who need it,” he said.

Mu'ti said the implementation mechanism is still being drafted to ensure the policy can be carried out effectively.

“We are preparing the implementation mechanism so the policy can be implemented properly,” he said.

He said the National Nutrition Agency (BGN) is responsible for implementing the free meals program, while his ministry provides policy input to help achieve the government's objectives.

“The spirit of the MBG program, as directed by President Prabowo Subianto, is to build a physically healthy generation free from stunting,” Mu'ti said.

He said prioritizing students who genuinely need assistance would ensure the program delivers greater benefits.

“It is more appropriate to prioritize those who are most eligible to receive the assistance,” he said.

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Translator: Agung, Kenzu

Editor: Rahmad Nasution

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