Novali Panji Nugroho, Jakarta Deputy Head of the National Nutrition Body (BGN), Nanik Sudaryati Deyang, said the agency is open to various suggestions on the free nutritious meal program implementation. One of the suggestions floated is for the schools to directly manage the free meal program.
"If the school is able, why not. There's no problem," she said during a discussion about the Free Nutritious Meal program at the Antara Heritage Center, Central Jakarta, on Thursday, October 23, 2025.
She mentioned that the concept of a school kitchen has been tested in a number of schools, namely those located in Bogor and Lampung, but they fall short of expectations. "There were disputes among the owners, and the food also got contaminated," Nanik said.
Additionally, a mixed method of free nutritious meal management can also be implemented. Besides the nutrition fulfillment service units (SPPG), local governments in the frontier, outermost, and underdeveloped areas can also run the program.
Nanik said her agency would assist in financing the rental of kitchens managed by regional governments. "We will rent it for four years and pay the four-year rent (for independent kitchens) upfront," she said.
The opportunity for school kitchens to manage free nutritious meals was previously mentioned by the Minister of Primary and Secondary Education, Abdul Mu'ti. He stated that the concept of a school kitchen can only be carried out by schools that have adequate facilities and are ready to provide free meals.
– Dede Leni contributed to the writing of this article.