"Mr. President (Prabowo Subianto) has demanded that the program utilize locally produced food materials. This signifies his determination to ensure that the program benefits locals, stimulating their economy through the use of local materials," she remarked.
Fauzi made the statement while reviewing the implementation of the Free Nutritious Meals program at a complex that hosts Susukan 01 and Susukan 02 public elementary schools in Ciracas Sub-district, East Jakarta, on Tuesday.
The minister then highlighted the need for parents to pay close attention to the nutritional intake of their children at home.
"It is important to educate mothers on how to provide nutritious meals in their family," she emphasized.
In addition to the elementary schools, Fauzi also visited an early childhood education center in Ciracas to oversee the program.
"Today, we visited three locations to monitor the distribution of free nutritious meals and witness schoolchildren as they enjoy the food offered," she remarked.
Related news: Free meal: Govt targets five thousand kitchens operational by mid-2025
On Monday (January 6), the government officially rolled out the implementation of the Free Nutritious Meals program, one of the flagship programs of President Prabowo and Vice President Gibran Rakabuming Raka's administration.
In the initial stage, the program targets schools and integrated health posts (posyandu) in 26 provinces across Indonesia, including Aceh, Bali, Riau, Banten, Lampung, West Java, East Kalimantan, North Sulawesi, East Nusa Tenggara, Maluku, and West Papua.
Around 190 special kitchens have been set up to prepare and distribute meals not only to school children but also to pregnant and breastfeeding women.
The National Nutrition Agency (BGN) has stationed an official to lead and supervise each kitchen in collaboration with nutritionists and accountants.
Related news: Indonesia prioritizes quality in Free Nutritious Meals Program
Translator: Anita P, Tegar Nurfitra
Editor: Yuni Arisandy Sinaga
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