Niki, a former sales promotion worker who now serves portions at a Special Nutrition Fulfillment Service Unit (SPPG) in Palmerah, said the program gave her stable employment after her contract ended.
“I hope this program continues year after year. Finding a job in Jakarta is very difficult,” she said, adding that providing meals for children and mothers gave her a sense of pride.
She noted that families also feel the benefits directly. “With free meals at school, parents can save money for other needs,” she said.
The MBG program provides meals for children, pregnant women and breastfeeding mothers while creating work for local residents in kitchens across Jakarta.
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At the Palmerah SPPG unit, about 40 people are employed, including nine cooks, nine portion servers, 16 dishwashers, one cleaner, four drivers and a security guard.
Students said the program eased the financial burden on their parents. Zakaria Judipa, a 12th-grade student at SMK 17 Jakarta, said his parents welcomed the savings from not having to prepare lunch.
“The MBG program really helps because they don’t need to spend extra on my meals. It also saves my pocket money,” he said.
Another student, Febi Zahara, said her mother, who is often busy caring for a younger sibling, no longer worries about preparing lunch.
“My mom was very happy when I told her there was free nutritious food at school,” she said.
Febi added that the meals were healthier than what she usually brought from home. “It’s the complete four healthy five perfect meals,” she said.
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Translator: Tri, Azis Kurmala
Editor: Rahmad Nasution
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