Politics · Indonesia · 2 hrs ago
Indonesia Tests Buffet-Style Service at 66 Free Meal Kitchens
Indonesia’s National Nutrition Agency is testing buffet-style meals at 66 kitchens in 10 provinces as part of its Free Nutritious Meals program.
The trial followed a directive from President Prabowo Subianto and is intended to improve how meals are served.
Officials say long delivery times can leave food less warm and affect its quality and safety.
With buffet service, students can take more if they are still hungry, and portions can better match their needs.
The agency says students ate more enthusiastically and food quality improved during the trial’s first week.
The approach could reduce food waste and improve meal quality, but officials are still assessing its costs.
They are also checking practical issues, including staffing and whether schools are ready, before deciding whether to expand the model.
Indonesia is testing buffet-style service at 66 kitchens in 10 provinces for its Free Nutritious Meals program.
The National Nutrition Agency says the trial is intended to improve meal distribution and food quality.
Coordinating Minister for Food Affairs Zulkifli Hasan said students can take more if they are still hungry, which may help reduce food waste.
BGN Head Sudaryono said students were more enthusiastic and meal consumption and quality improved during the trial’s first week.
The government is reviewing operational costs and practical challenges before deciding whether to expand the model.
- Who
- Indonesia’s National Nutrition Agency is running the trial. The program serves students.
- What
- The agency is testing buffet-style service for the Free Nutritious Meals program.
- When
- The trial’s first week had taken place by the time of the report, published October 20, 2026.
- Where
- At 66 kitchens in 10 provinces across Indonesia.
- Why
- The government aims to improve meal distribution, food quality and safety, and reduce food waste.
This story does not have two clearly opposing sides.
Sudaryono said the buffet-style method had increased meal consumption and improved food quality.
Zulkifli Hasan spoke about the serving model after an MBG coordination meeting in Jakarta.
Tempo EN published its report on the trial.
- Kitchens
- 66
- Provinces
- 10
- Program
- Free Nutritious Meals (MBG)
- Trial authority
- Indonesian National Nutrition Agency (BGN)
- Report date
- October 20, 2026
What people are saying
Those still feeling hungry are welcome to have more. Therefore, there is no food waste.
Students have been more enthusiastic because in addition to their portions, they can ask for more if there is still enough.
We are currently reviewing operational costs to identify room for a reduction or the need for an increase instead.