BicaraIndonesia.id, Surabaya – A total of 6,159 students from 10 schools in Surabaya, East Java, began participating in the Free Nutritious Meals (MBG) program on Monday, January 13, 2025. The program’s initial phase is being implemented at 10 educational institutions across two districts, Wonocolo and Rungkut.
The ten participating schools are KB-TM Yasporbi, SD Taquma, SMP Negeri 13, SMA Negeri 10, and SMK PGRI 1 in Wonocolo District. In Rungkut District, the program covers TK Tunas Pertiwi, SDN Penjaringansari 1, SDN Penjaringansari 2, MTs 3, and MAN Surabaya.
The first day of the MBG program was directly monitored by Surabaya Mayor Eri Cahyadi, accompanied by members of the City Council and representatives from the National Nutrition Agency (BGN). The monitoring took place at SD Taquma and SMPN 13 Surabaya.
Eri Cahyadi stated that the first day of the MBG program in Surabaya went smoothly, expressing his delight at the positive response from the students.
“What makes me happy is when I asked, ‘Is the food delicious?’ They replied, ‘Yes, it’s delicious.’ ‘Is it suitable?’ ‘Yes, it is.’ ‘Is it complete?’ ‘Yes, it is.’ Most of the food was finished,” Eri Cahyadi said on Monday, January 13, 2025.
Eri further explained that the meals’ menu and portions have been adjusted according to the standards set by BGN. The meals consist of rice, chicken, vegetables, fruit, and milk.
“I believe the calorie content is also high. For example, at the elementary school, the calorie count was mentioned as 440. This helps the children stay energized during their studies,” he added.
According to Eri, the program is still in its trial phase, so evaluations will continue, including adjustments to the menu to make it more appealing to the children. He also expressed his hope that the MBG program would continue.
“God willing, I hope this can be sustained. It was also mentioned that the eating utensils will later be made of aluminum, so they can be reused and will not contribute to plastic waste,” he said.
Eri emphasized the importance of using eco-friendly utensils. As the program is still in the trial phase, he urged the public to avoid focusing on its shortcomings and instead fully support the initiative.
“When it’s still a trial, let’s not focus on the negatives. Let’s support it because this is for our children, ensuring they receive strong nutrition and high energy, preparing them to become a golden generation,” he explained.
During his visit, Eri noted that while most of the food was finished, some students still had leftovers. He acknowledged that each child has different eating portions.
“There will be organic and non-organic waste bins in schools so that food leftovers can be used for maggot farming. Nothing from this free nutritious meal program will go to waste. Even if there are leftovers, I am confident they will not be excessive. These leftovers will be processed instead of being discarded carelessly,” he concluded. (Pr/An/C1)
