Not Allowed By The Central Government, Free Breakfast Program In Jakarta Canceled

JAKARTA - The free breakfast program initiated by DKI Jakarta Governor Pramono Anung for school students in Jakarta was canceled. This program is actually Pramono's campaign promise during the 2024 Pilkada.

The cancellation of the free breakfast program was revealed from the results of the meeting between Pramono and the Head of the Dadan Hindayana National Nutrition Agency at DKI Jakarta City Hall.

The central government does not allow Jakarta to run free breakfast, when the free nutritious dining program (MBG) has been running.

"What we will do in Jakarta, the first is breakfast that we have initiated, the program will be changed later," said Pramono at DKI Jakarta City Hall, Central Jakarta, Wednesday, March 12.

Thus, the budget previously prepared for free breakfast will be diverted to several programs. One of them is the repair or renovation of school canteens.

In addition, part of the budget will also be used to increase the quota for Jakarta Smart Card (KJP) Plus recipients and the Jakarta Superior Student Card (KJMU).

"We emphasize that the free nutritious food program is fully organized by the central government, the Jakarta government supports it so that it runs well, and we will transfer some of the budgets to more KJP needed for Jakarta residents," Pramono explained.

Meanwhile, Head of BGN Dadan Hindayana acknowledged that infrastructure problems were one of the biggest obstacles in running the MBG program.

"Our budget has been completed, we have studied human resources, this infrastructure is the most crucial part to accelerate the spread of a nutritious eating program, and thank God the Governor and his staff have decided to renovate the school canteens which will be part of the nutritious eating program," explained Dadan.

Dadan said, school canteens that will later be renovated by the DKI Provincial Government can be projected as a nutritional fulfillment service unit (SPPG) or the MBG kitchen.

This is because, from the target of 791 SPPGs needed to provide free meals throughout Jakarta, only 33 SPPGs are currently operating.

"Alhamdulillah, this acceleration will be carried out with a contribution from the Jakarta Provincial Government. I think this is a good synergy between the central government and local governments," explained Dadan.