"It can be provided at least once a week; milk is not a must. It is not a mandatory item on the menu because milk supply varies from region to region," Nasbi told ANTARA when contacted from here on Monday.
He explained that the provision of milk will be based on the condition of each Nutrition Fulfillment Service Unit (SPPG) or kitchen unit. Milk can be included in the MBG menu at least once a week if the SPPG is not located in a dairy-producing area.
However, if the SPPG is located in a dairy-producing area or close to dairy farms, milk can be served two to three times a week.
"I asked the SPPG heads about this, and they said they distribute milk once a week every Friday, but the one in Cimahi (West Java), they provide milk every Monday," he informed.
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Nasbi further said that one of the SPPGs in Cimahi, West Java, is using glass bottles for milk distribution to reduce waste.
"In Cimahi, the milk is served in glass bottles because there is a dairy farm nearby. Using glass bottles helps minimize waste," he added.
The Free Nutritious Meals is a top-priority program of the Prabowo-Gibran government. The program was officially launched on Monday in schools and integrated health centers (posyandus) across 26 provinces in Indonesia.
Currently, around 190 SPPG kitchens are operating to provide nutritious meals for program beneficiaries, including school students and pregnant women.
Related news: Indonesia prioritizes milk provision in MBG program for dairy regions
Translator: Mentari G, Kenzu
Editor: Yuni Arisandy Sinaga
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