C Bangka, Babel Islands (ANTARA) - The Free Nutritious Meals program has been initiated as part of efforts to promote a healthy lifestyle among people from an early age, Deputy Minister of Villages and Development of Disadvantaged Regions, Ahmad Riza Patria, said.

"Our children are valuable assets; the future of Indonesia is in their hands. Thus, their nutrition must be maintained from an early age," he added while reviewing the launch of nutritious meals provision at a school in Central Bangka district, Bangka Belitung Islands, on Wednesday.

He said that the free meals program is a concrete step to support the national priority programs for reducing the stunting rate and improving the quality of human resources.

"We really appreciate the steps of the Central Bangka district government in starting this program. It does not only provide nutritious meals but also builds awareness on the importance of balanced nutrition for children's growth and development," Patria added.

He affirmed that the central government is ready to provide support, both in terms of funding and technical guidance, so that the program can be carried out sustainably and be expanded to all schools.

"What is also important is building synergy between central and regional governments to ensure the fulfillment of children's nutritional needs," he said.

Meanwhile, the deputy district head of Central Bangka, Era Susanto, said that the program is a part of the commitment to improving the quality of life of children.

"We hope that the program does not only improve children's health but also their learning achievements at school," he added.

The Central Bangka district government will carry out the free meals program for elementary school students on a massive scale in 2025.

It is one of the work programs of President Prabowo Subianto and Vice President Gibran Rakabuming Raka for their 2024–2029 term.

The government formed the National Nutrition Agency in August this year to support the program's implementation.

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Translator: Ahmadi, Raka Adji
Editor: Azis Kurmala
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