Gov’t: Free Nutritious Meal Program Reaches 2 Million Beneficiaries Nationwide

President Prabowo Subianto receives the National Nutrition Agency members, the Presidential Palace complex, Central Jakarta, Monday (02/24). (Photo by: BPMI)

President Prabowo Subianto Monday (02/24) received the National Nutrition Agency members to listen on the implementation progress of the Free Nutritious Meal program at the Presidential Palace Complex, Central Jakarta.

“With the start (of the program) in Central Papua today, thank God, it means that it has been running in thirty-eight provinces and today there have been 117 additional nutrition fulfillment service units,” Head of the National Nutrition Agency Dadan Hindayana said in his press statement.

According to Dadan, such achievement is a significant step in equalizing access to nutrition for the people.

“In one and a half months, thank God it has now reached thirty-eight provinces and 693 service units. This week, God willing, we will be able to serve more than two million beneficiaries,” he said, adding that during fasting month of Ramadan, the program continues with several adjustments, including packaging so that food can be taken home.

In addition, the types of food that will be distributed during the fasting month are adjusted to last longer, such as milk, boiled eggs, dates, cookies, and fruit, while still paying attention to the nutritional composition of the food which includes protein, carbohydrates, and fiber.

Dadan also stated that the food will be packaged with environmentally friendly materials that must be exchanged by children every day.

“We have also conducted a trial in Sukabumi, where children were given food in bags and the next day they had to bring their bags back to be exchanged for the new ones containing food so that the packages did not become a waste and it also trained children to be disciplined,” he said.

According to Dadan, this adjustment will last until Eid al-Fitr with weekly evaluations in place to ensure its effectiveness.

“There is a suggestion to do business as usual in the non-Muslim majority areas. Nevertheless, there must still be Muslims living there, so initially we will do the same (as the others) and we will made an evaluation after a week whether or not special treatment is needed,” he remarked. (BPMI Presidential Secretariat/DNS) (GWH/MUR)