The governments of Indonesia and Japan have strengthened their collaboration in implementing the Free Nutritious Meals (MBG) program by sharing Japan’s experience in managing school meal systems. This partnership was realized through a national seminar organized by the Badan Gizi Nasional (BGN) in cooperation with the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) in Jakarta.

The seminar, titled Strengthening Food Safety and Nutrition Education (Shokuiku) in the Implementation of the MBG Program, was attended by more than 8,000 participants both offline and online. Attendees included heads and nutritionists from the Nutrition Fulfillment Service Units (SPPG), representatives of regional health offices, and Education Quality Assurance Centers from across Indonesia.

JICA Indonesia Chief Representative Takeda Sachiko explained that Japan’s school meal program is an integrated part of its education system, managed comprehensively from planning stages to capacity development.

She stated that in Japan, school meals are positioned as an integral component of education, encompassing comprehensive management and operations, from menu planning and hygiene management to food distribution and human resource development.

Takeda emphasized that Japan’s experience is not intended to be applied uniformly in Indonesia. According to her, a school meal program is not a one-size-fits-all model but rather an initiative that must be adapted to each country’s and region’s specific context.

BGN Deputy for Systems and Governance Tigor Pangaribuan stressed that the success of the MBG program depends not only on food provision but also on strong governance systems, guaranteed food safety, and integrated nutrition education.

This Indonesia–Japan collaboration aims to strengthen governance, food safety, and nutrition education in implementing MBG, which is one of Indonesia’s national priority programs. Japan was selected as a partner due to its extensive experience in managing school meal programs integrated within the education system.

During the discussion session, Japanese experts and relevant ministry representatives addressed foodborne disease risk management, the application of hygiene and food safety standards in schools, the role of local governments, and the strengthening of nutrition education (Shokuiku) as part of fostering healthy habits from an early age.

Through this cooperation, both countries hope to enhance nationwide MBG implementation and ensure its long-term sustainability through cross-sector synergy.

Japan Allocates Rp2 Billion Grant for Schools in Indonesia

The Japanese government has provided approximately Rp2 billion in grant assistance to support improvements in Indonesia’s basic education facilities. The funds were distributed through the Grant Assistance for Grassroots Human Security Projects program and implemented via two school construction and renovation projects in Lampung and Central Java.

The first project was carried out at Madrasah Ibtidaiyah Mathlaul Anwar Pulau Bambu in Rawa Selapan Village, South Lampung Regency, Lampung Province. The handover of the school building and supporting facilities took place on January 7, 2025, with a grant amounting to 9,190,508 Japanese yen (approximately Rp1.01 billion).

Ohmichi Takuma, Second Secretary of the Embassy of Japan in Indonesia, attended the handover ceremony alongside local government representatives and the foundation’s management.

Prior to the project, the school faced classroom shortages that forced it to reject around half of prospective students each year. Additionally, damaged toilets and aging classroom equipment created an inadequate learning environment.

Through the grant, one new school building containing four classrooms, a toilet facility with four cubicles, and classroom equipment were provided. As a result, all prospective students can now be accommodated, and teaching and learning activities have improved.

The second project was implemented at Pondok Pesantren Pabelan in Pabelan Village, Magelang Regency, Central Java Province. The handover of the renovated MTs Putra building was conducted on February 3, 2025, with a grant of 9,116,176 Japanese yen (around Rp1 billion).

Before renovation, the approximately 55-year-old MTs Putra building was severely damaged and posed safety risks. Limited space also required the boarding school to turn away dozens of prospective students annually.

Through this project, the building was reinforced and renovated, and an additional classroom was constructed. Consequently, around 250 students, teachers, and staff can now conduct learning activities in a safer environment, while the school is able to accept more students.

In total, the two projects utilized approximately Rp2 billion in grant funds. The Japanese government hopes that this grassroots-level assistance will contribute to improving the quality of basic education while strengthening cooperative ties between Japan and Indonesia.