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View all search resultsBGN to refocus free meals program for undernourished children
The National Nutrition Agency (BGN) is conducting surveys through a special team to refine the distribution of the free meals program, citing President Prabowo Subianto’s directive to prioritize undernourished children and low-income families as the primary beneficiaries of his flagship initiative.
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Heroic effort: Workers dressed as superheroes deliver meals under the free nutritious meal program on Nov. 26, 2025, at SD Depok Baru 08 state elementary school in Depok, West Java. The National Nutrition Agency (BGN) had recommended the use of potatoes and fish in school meals to avoid adverse implications. (Antara/Yulius Satria Wijaya)
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he National Nutrition Agency (BGN) is conducting surveys through a special team to refine the distribution of the free nutritious meal program, citing President Prabowo Subianto’s directive to prioritize undernourished children and low-income families as the primary beneficiaries of his flagship initiative.
BGN deputy head Nanik S. Deyang said the newly-established team, called the Recipients Optimization Team, is tasked with identifying eligible recipients to ensure the program reaches those most in need.
“We began data collection this Monday across Jakarta to identify priority recipients,” Nanik told The Jakarta Post on Monday.
She added that a needs-based approach is expected to improve the program’s effectiveness, with initial coordination planned with the Social Affairs Ministry and the Primary and Secondary Education Ministry to exchange and synchronize recipient data.
BGN will subsequently validate the combined data through field surveys, with Nanik noting that the final list of beneficiaries will be determined by the agency following verification.
Read also: Constitutional Court examines free meals budget
Nanik introduced the recalibration plan earlier this month, saying it reflects Prabowo’s directive that the free meals program should focus on children who are unable to meet their nutritional needs.
