Dozens of Prisons in Indonesia to Manage Kitchens for Free Nutritious Meal Program
The Indonesian government plans to involve dozens of correctional facilities (prisons) in the success of the Free Nutritious Meal (MBG) program. A total of 36 prisons across Indonesia are targeted to manage kitchens for this program by the end of May 2026. This step is being taken to utilize existing kitchen facilities within prisons to provide healthy food for the community.
One of the prisons in the spotlight for this plan is Sukamiskin Prison in Bandung. There, the kitchen facilities will be used to prepare nutritious food menus in accordance with established health standards. The National Nutrition Agency (BGN) hopes that cooperation with the prison authorities can accelerate the distribution of food to schools in the areas surrounding the prisons.
The use of prison kitchens is considered a practical solution because many prisons already have large-scale cooking equipment. In addition, this program is also expected to provide positive activities for the inmates. Through this program, they will be trained to prepare food with strict hygiene and nutritional standards before it is distributed to students.
However, this plan has received mixed responses from the public. A civil society coalition is urging the National Nutrition Agency to review or cancel the decision. They are concerned about the hygiene aspects and quality control of food produced within the prison environment. Some parties argue that school kitchens or other public facilities would be more appropriate for this program.
To date, the government continues to refine the plan so that it can proceed according to the 2026 target. Discussions between the government and various related parties are expected to produce the best solution for the success of the Free Nutritious Meal program. The main focus of this policy remains on providing good nutrition to support the health of Indonesia's younger generation.