Indonesia pauses free school meal program in areas affected by Anak Krakatau eruption

Indonesia’s National Nutrition Agency has temporarily halted school operations for its Free Nutritious Meals program in areas affected by the Mount Anak Krakatau eruption.

The adjustment follows decisions to move schools to remote learning from Monday, September 7. Lampung planned remote classes for September 7 and 8, while Banten scheduled them for September 7 through 9. Jakarta was also due to begin remote learning on September 7, although authorities had not set an end date.

Khairul Hidayati, head of the agency’s legal and public relations bureau, said the change was intended to keep meal distribution safe and aligned with emergency education measures. “The safety of students and everyone in educational units is the main consideration in adjusting the Free Nutritious Meals program,” Khairul said in Jakarta on Sunday.

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The safety of students and everyone in educational units is the main consideration in adjusting the Free Nutritious Meals program.

“When the learning process is transferred to distance learning, the mechanism for providing the Free Nutritious Meals program at schools also needs to be adjusted so that implementation remains targeted, safe and aligned with emergency-response policies,” he said.

The agency said the suspension does not end the program. It will continue coordinating with local governments and other stakeholders, while reviewing field conditions, local education policies, school readiness and the capacity of nutrition-service units before resuming or changing operations.

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When the learning process is transferred to distance learning, the mechanism for providing the Free Nutritious Meals program at schools also needs to be adjusted so that implementation remains targeted, safe and aligned with emergency-response policies.