DIGIVESTATION - The free nutritious meal program began on Monday, January 6, 2025. The program is planned to reach 190 points in 26 provinces in Indonesia as the first step in its implementation.

Presidential Communications Chief Hasan Nasbi said that the launch of the program is an important achievement, even though President Prabowo Subianto has not yet completed 100 days in office.

“We should be grateful, without having to wait for 100 days in office, precisely on President Prabowo's 78th day, this free nutritious meal program officially began. This is a milestone for Indonesia, because for the first time the state has implemented a national-scale nutrition fulfillment program for toddlers, school children, students, pregnant women, and nursing mothers,” Hasan said.

The Free Nutritious Meal Kitchen (MBG) is managed by the head of the Nutrition Program Implementation Unit (SPPG) who is directly appointed by the National Nutrition Agency (BGN). In its implementation, the head of the SPPG works closely with nutritionists and accountants to ensure that the food provided is in accordance with the nutritional standards of Indonesian children.

The distribution of this program at 190 points is the first step, with the target of increasing coverage. “In the initial phase, 190 MBG Kitchens started operating on Monday, and the number will continue to increase every day,” Hasan added.
 

e Presidential Communication Office (PCO) spokesperson, Dedek Prayudi, explained that each meal package is worth Rp10,000 and is planned to reach around 3.3 million students across Indonesia.

This free nutritious meal program will be carried out every day, targeting all levels of education, from kindergarten/early childhood, elementary school, junior high school, to high school. The food menu provided is tailored to the conditions of each region, given the differences in the price of basic commodities in each region.

Each meal package will contain carbohydrates, side dishes, fruits, and vegetables designed according to the nutritional needs of students in the area. The government has allocated a budget of IDR71 trillion from the 2025 State Budget to support the implementation of this program.