TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - Jakarta's acting governor, Heru Budi Hartono, said the estimated cost of nutritious meals for primary school students in the capital was Rp20,000 to Rp25,000 per serving. The free nutritious food or free lunch program is one of the campaign promises of President-elect Prabowo Subianto and his running mate Gibran Rakabuming Raka. Preparations for the program have begun, and a number of trials have been conducted in a number of provinces, including Jakarta.

"The estimated cost is between Rp20,000 and Rp25,000 per portion. Those who cook also benefit because they also have to deliver and prepare the meals at the site," Heru Budi said after reviewing the trial of the free nutritious meal program at Cipayung 04 State Elementary in East Jakarta on Monday, August 26.

Heru Budi said the Jakarta administration had conducted three trials of the free meal program for elementary school students. "Today is the third trial, it can be given either for breakfast or lunch, depending on the time the students are in school," he said.

The Jakarta provincial government has tried different menus with different food prices and balanced nutrition, starting from Rp15,000 to Rp25,000 per portion. However, the Rp15,000 portion is considered less than ideal.

"Regarding the cost, the Jakarta provincial government does not limit it, it can be Rp15,000, Rp20,000, Rp25,000. We found that with a budget of Rp15,000, it's not good enough. The ideal cost is between Rp20,000 and Rp25,000 per portion. What is important to us is that the children are given the amount of calories (400 calories) they need," said Heru.

One thing that needs to be clear, he added, is that the food that is given has to be a balanced diet with the right nutritional value.

While inspecting the pilot program at Cipayung 04 Elementary School, Heru Budi said he noticed that the students really liked the menu they were served. They each received a meal consisting of rice, omelet, corn, stir-fried vegetables, fried tempeh, and grapes, with each portion costing Rp25,000.

"We observe what they like. We saw that they all finished the vegetables and eggs, and ate the fruit, but only half the rice was eaten because (the portion) was too much," he explained.

ANTARA

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