West Java suspends free school meals amid Anak Krakatau ash risks

Indonesia has temporarily halted its Free Nutritious Meals programme at schools in West Java that have shifted to remote learning as volcanic ash from Mount Anak Krakatau raises health concerns.

The National Nutrition Agency, known as BGN, confirmed the decision on Monday. West Java had introduced virtual schooling in Bogor City, Bogor District, Cianjur District, Sukabumi City, Depok City and Purwakarta District in response to the eruptions.

Khairul Hidayati, head of BGN’s Legal and Public Relations Bureau, said the suspension was intended to keep the programme aligned with regional policies and responsive to the risks facing students and learning activities. “We continue to monitor the situation and coordinate with regional governments,” she said. “The implementation of the MBG programme will be readjusted once conditions have become feasible and in-person learning has resumed.”

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We continue to monitor the situation and coordinate with regional governments. The implementation of the MBG programme will be readjusted once conditions have become feasible and in-person learning has resumed.

Hidayati stressed that the interruption was temporary and did not change the agency’s commitment to continuing the programme. Resumption will depend on developments and on each regional administration’s schooling policy. “Every operational decision will factor in the safety aspect, the readiness of schools, and the interest of programme beneficiaries,” she said.

The volcano’s increased activity has also prompted schools in Lampung, Banten and Jakarta to adopt remote learning. Their decisions refer to a 2026 circular from Primary and Secondary Education Minister Abdul Mu’ti and a 2019 ministerial regulation.

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Every operational decision will factor in the safety aspect, the readiness of schools, and the interest of programme beneficiaries.