Speaking at the Presidential Palace complex in Jakarta on Tuesday, Hindayana stated that the program initiated by President-elect Prabowo Subianto would start running after the agency receives the Budget Implementation Checklist (DIPA) in December this year.
"We are hoping to receive the DIPA in December so that we can implement the Free Nutritious Meals Program as soon as January 2," he remarked.
When inquired about the scheme to be applied for the program's implementation, Hindayana noted that his side would follow directives that will be given by President Joko Widodo (Jokowi) and the incoming president.
The official further remarked that President Jokowi was keen to expand the targeted group of the program from a limited number of schoolchildren to a broader population in order to promote a healthier lifestyle in Indonesia.
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Hindayana stated that the National Nutrition Agency is planning to introduce kelor leaves (moringa oleifera) to children to boost their knowledge about Indonesia's nutritious food ingredients.
He then affirmed that the agency would establish regional units to help implement the Free Nutritious Meal Program.
"Considering our status as a national-level agency, we will form a unit in each region," he remarked.
Earlier, after being inaugurated as the agency's head by the president on Monday (August 19), Hindayana explained that the program would also target pregnant women, breastfeeding mothers, and toddlers, in addition to schoolchildren.
He also stated that the program's budget had been set at Rp71 trillion (about US$4.3 billion) and would be managed by his agency, which was recently established through the issuance of Presidential Regulation No. 83 of 2024.
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Translator: Andi F, Tegar Nurfitra
Editor: Yuni Arisandy Sinaga
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