"In collaboration with relevant stakeholders, the BGN will set up the kitchens," Speaker of the Jakarta Regional Representative Council (DPRD) Khoirudin remarked during a visit to Public Elementary School (SDN) Cipulir 01 Pagi, South Jakarta, on Wednesday.
He also commended the government for operating 14 SPPGs since January 2025, which have provided free meals and catered to the nutritional needs of around 42 thousand pupils in the Indonesian capital city.
The local legislator then assured that the national program has been running as planned at SDN Cipulir 01 Pagi.
"It is delightful to see that most of the pupils have brought their own tumblers and spoons. Those forgetting their cutlery washed their hands to join their peers in enjoying the free nutritious meals provided," he elaborated on his review of the program's implementation.
He observed that the implementation of the program had helped foster a sense of togetherness among pupils at schools.
Meanwhile, an official from the Jakarta Regional Secretariat, Hendra Hidayat, stated that the Free Nutritious Meals program is targeting 293 students at SDN Cipulir 01 Pagi.
"As of January 31, the Jakarta provincial government has been collaborating with other stakeholders to carry out the Free Nutritious Meals program in a total of 126 schools through 14 SPPGs," he remarked.
Pupils of SDN Cipulir 01 Pagi received meal boxes containing rice, fried egg, long beans, stir-fried tempeh, and orange.
The Jakarta provincial government has earlier indicated that milk, recognized for its high calcium content, would be included in the program's meal packages twice a week.
On January 6, 2025, the Indonesian government officially rolled out the Free Nutritious Meals program across 26 provinces, including Jakarta.
With the aim of improving the nation's nutritional intake, the program targets schoolchildren, toddlers, pregnant women, and breastfeeding mothers.
Translator: Luthfia M, Tegar Nurfitra
Editor: Aditya Eko Sigit Wicaksono
Copyright © ANTARA 2025
