Indonesia expands free meal program with 8,200 remote kitchens

Jakarta (ANTARA) - Indonesia’s National Nutrition Agency (BGN) is building 8,200 kitchens (Nutrition Fulfillment Service Units, SPPGs) in remote areas to provide free nutritious meals (MBG) and improve nationwide access. “Of the 8,200 units identified, 4,700 are under construction and 170 are expected to be completed by December 2025,” BGN Head Dadan Hindayana said in Jakarta on Wednesday. The program targets nearly three million beneficiaries in remote areas. About 20,000 units are expected to be operational in urban centers by December, in addition to 170 remote units. The MBG program has so far served 47.2 million people, with full nationwide coverage projected for March or April 2026, reaching 82.9 million beneficiaries. Dadan noted urban areas present the greatest challenges due to population density, while remote units are typically within 30 minutes of schools or communities. Coordinating Minister for Economic Affairs Airlangga Hartarto said MBG remains a top government ...