"Each SPPG will organize it (a collective iftar) at least once," BGN Head Dadan Hindayana remarked when contacted by ANTARA from Jakarta on Tuesday.
He affirmed that the BGN aims to leverage these activities to increase public awareness of the importance of balanced nutrition.
Furthermore, Hindayana underlined that during the forthcoming month of fasting, schoolchildren will receive packages of free nutritious meals to take home.
Drawing attention to the menu options, the BGN leader highlighted that the government will focus on meals, such as boiled eggs, milk, and fruits, particularly dates, which remain edible until iftar time.
Earlier, on Monday (February 24), Hindayana assured the public that despite the shift in the distribution scheme, the meals offered will maintain their nutritional value based on advice from nutritional experts stationed at each SPPG.
"The nutrition sources will remain the same. There are proteins, carbohydrates, and fiber," he remarked in a press conference at the Presidential Palace, Jakarta.
Hindayana then drew attention to a change in food packaging, noting that during its trial period last year, the program used paper bags, but this year, the government has decided to use bags that students can take home with them.
He stated that the bags must be returned the next day in exchange for new ones filled with food. This approach is expected to not only reduce waste but also foster discipline among students.
This take-away scheme will run throughout the Islamic holy month for all students, regardless of their faith.
The BGN head mentioned receiving suggestions to maintain regular meal distribution in non-Muslim majority areas during Ramadan but decided to treat these areas equally.
"We will evaluate this after one week of implementation to see if areas with (the majority of) non-Muslims operate as the same or if they should receive a special approach," he remarked.
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Translator: Lintang B, Tegar Nurfitra
Editor: Azis Kurmala
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