Antara News·Indonesia·Friday, October 16, 2026 at 12:45 PM UTC

Indonesia introduces buffet-style MBG meals to reduce food waste

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Lintang Budiyanti, Tegar Nurfitra

Students who need larger portions are welcome to take more, provided there is enough food,

Jakarta (ANTARA) - Indonesia's National Nutrition Agency (BGN) expects to reduce food waste generated by the Free Nutritious Meals (MBG) program by introducing buffet-style meal service in schools.

“I have observed that this approach has led to higher meal consumption rates and improved cleanliness at several locations. As a result, people are pleased,” BGN Head Sudaryono said in Jakarta on Friday.

He explained that the buffet model was expected to reduce food waste by allowing portions to be adjusted to students' varying appetites and consumption needs.

“Students who need larger portions are welcome to take more, provided there is enough food,” Sudaryono added.

He also emphasized that the change in serving methods would not affect the budget per meal, which remains set at Rp15,000 (around US$0.80).

Sudaryono said the agency had launched pilot projects for buffet-style meal service at 66 locations nationwide, including in Java, Aceh, South Sumatra, and South Papua.

“Our current objective is to ensure that the pilot phase runs optimally so that we can identify and address any shortcomings,” he said.

The agency aims to gradually introduce the serving method to 5,000 MBG kitchens by the end of 2026.

Addressing concerns that the new scheme could place an additional burden on schools, Sudaryono stressed that it would only be implemented with their consent.

Sudaryono added that many schools had expressed interest in adopting the system, emphasizing the importance of establishing uniform implementation standards.

“Those wishing to adopt the buffet system must first register with us so we can provide training and assess their readiness. Only after we declare them ready can they begin implementing the method,” he said.

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