Indonesia's Kapuas accelerates free meals program for schools

hartono · Sep 3, 2025

File - Elementary school students eat a free lunch provided by the government in Palangka Raya, Central Kalimantan, January 13, 2025. (ANTARA FOTO/Auliya Rahman)

Kuala Kapuas (ANTARA) - The Kapuas district government in Central Kalimantan is stepping up efforts to expand the Free Nutritious Meals (MBG) program, which aims to reach around 12,000 students daily.

District secretary Usis I Sangkai said during a task force meeting in Kuala Kapuas on Tuesday that the government is working to ensure meals are delivered safely and on time to the intended beneficiaries.

"We are coordinating to speed up the process so that these meals can reach those entitled to them in proper condition for consumption," he said, stressing the need for stronger communication both in person and through digital platforms.

The MBG program covers students from early childhood education to senior high schools, as well as special education institutions and Islamic boarding schools. It also targets pregnant women, breastfeeding mothers, and toddlers.

Currently, 1,210 students at 12 schools — from kindergartens to junior high schools — are receiving the meals in the first phase.

Kapuas district head Muhammad Wiyatno said he hopes the program will run without obstacles, while education service head Suwarno Muriyat added that the task force is overseeing planning, supply availability, distribution, and food safety.