West Java Suspends Free Nutritious Meals at Schools Amid Anak Krakatau Ash Risks

11 hours ago 8

September 8, 2026 | 06:36 am

TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - Indonesia’s National Nutrition Agency (BGN) decided to suspend the Free Nutritious Meals (MBG) programme for a number schools in West Java which have switched to long-distance learning amid risks of Mount Anak Krakatau’s volcanic ash.

As of Monday, September 7, 2026, West Java has rolled out virtual schooling programmes in several regions in response to volcanic eruptions, including Bogor City, Bogor District, Cianjur District, Sukabumi City, Depok City, and Purwakarta District.

BGN's Head of Legal and Public Relations Bureau, Khairul Hidayati, in Jakarta on Monday confirmed the temporary halt to the MBG programme, saying the move is intended to ensure implementation remains adaptive and aligned with regional policies.

She described the decision as a response to the urgency of anticipating the impacts of volcanic ash on learning activities and students’ health.

"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 added.

She underscored MBG distribution is only being temporarily stopped, adding that the programme’s resumption would take into account developments in the situation and the schooling policies of each regional administration.

"BGN ensures this adjustment does not alter our commitment to the continuation of the MBG programme. Every operational decision will factor in the safety aspect, the readiness of schools, and the interest of programme beneficiaries," Hidayati affirmed.

In addition to West Java, Mount Anak Krakatau’s rising activity has prompted schools in Lampung, Banten, and Jakarta provinces to opt for remote learning schemes in anticipation of health risks from volcanic ash.

Their decisions are based on a circular letter issued by Minister of Primary and Secondary Education Abdul Mu’ti in 2026, as well as a 2019 ministerial regulation.

Read: Banten Puts Health Facilities on High Alert as Anak Krakatau Ash Spreads

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