"Today, we see the simulation of the free lunch program at a cost of Rp15,000 (around US$1) per portion. I take a look at every classroom, and this is one of the schools that volunteered to prepare food for students," he said.
He commended the healthy food distribution system for students at the school, saying that each meal has sufficient nutritional content.
The menus include rice, eggs, chicken, dumplings, and gado-gado (Indonesian salad).
"Here, we see how it is being implemented in a school and how this can involve the surrounding micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs)," he stated.
He mentioned that the simulation of the free lunch program at the school will serve as a model for other regions when the program is realized.
The Tangerang District Education Office provided the budget for the simulation in the three schools.
"We welcome anyone who wants to be a volunteer for the program. The (Tangerang) District Head prepared three types of schools here, namely urban, rural, and coastal," he remarked.
He said that the free lunch program is being prepared in the 2025 State Budget Draft (RAPBN).
Earlier, the central government began discussing the budget for the free lunch program at a cabinet meeting on the 2025 Macroeconomic Policy and Fiscal Policy Principles (KEM-PPKF).
However, no decision has been taken on the budget scheme for the free lunch program proposed by presidential and vice presidential candidates Prabowo Subianto and Gibran Rakabuming Raka.
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Translator: Azmi M, Kenzu
Editor: Anton Santoso
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