He noted that fostering healthy eating habits could enhance economic conditions, particularly for individuals from lower-middle-income backgrounds.
“We see the children’s enthusiasm for the food provided to them,” Pratikno remarked while observing the MBG program at a school for children with special needs in Jakarta on Monday.
The meal package provided at the school includes rice, cooked chicken, fried tofu, vegetables, and a banana.
"There are carbohydrates, protein, and vegetables—so the quality is good," the minister explained.
On January 6, the government officially launched the MBG program across the country, operating at least 190 special kitchens.
Managed by the National Nutrition Agency, each kitchen prepares and distributes free meals to schoolchildren, toddlers, pregnant women, and breastfeeding mothers.
The government has allocated a budget of Rp71 trillion (around US$4.35 billion) for the program.
Related news: Free meals program to help address health issues: minister
Related news: Free meals: Prabowo to conduct surprise inspections at schools
Translator: Sean Filo Muhamad, Yashinta Difa
Editor: Anton Santoso
Copyright © ANTARA 2025
