Antara News·Indonesia·Monday, October 19, 2026 at 03:52 PM UTC

Indonesia trials buffet-style serving model at 66 MBG kitchens

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Shofi Ayudiana, Tegar Nurfitra

Jakarta (ANTARA) - The National Nutrition Agency (BGN) is trialing a buffet-style serving model for the Free Nutritious Meals (MBG) program at 66 kitchens in 10 provinces across Indonesia to improve program implementation.

Speaking after an MBG coordination meeting in Jakarta on Monday, Coordinating Minister for Food Affairs Zulkifli Hasan said the serving model was introduced in response to President Prabowo Subianto's directive and inspired by similar practices in other countries.

The government expects the approach to help address meal distribution challenges, he added, noting that prolonged delivery times can cause meals to lose heat and adversely affect food quality and safety.

Hasan further noted that buffet-style serving could allow portions to be adjusted according to students' appetites and needs, thereby helping reduce food waste.

"Those still feeling hungry are welcome to have more. Therefore, there is no food waste," the minister said.

BGN Head Sudaryono echoed Hasan's remarks, saying the serving method had proven effective in increasing meal consumption and improving food quality during the first week of the trial.

"Students have been more enthusiastic because in addition to their portions, they can ask for more if there is still enough," he added.

However, Sudaryono said the government is still assessing whether budget adjustments would be needed to implement the serving model on a wider scale.

"We are currently reviewing operational costs to identify room for a reduction or the need for an increase instead," he said.

He explained that BGN is using the trial phase to identify technical challenges in the field, including issues related to human resources and school readiness.

Sudaryono emphasized the importance of assisting schools in adopting the serving method in a way that accommodates students' needs.

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