Denpasar, Sept. 19 -- The Free Nutritious Meals (MBG) program, since its launch on January 6 this year, has consumed a budget of Rp103.9 billion (around US$6.2 million) in Bali Province as of September 19.

Head of the Bali Regional Office of the Finance Ministry's Treasury Directorate General Muhammad Mufti Arkan stated in Denpasar City on Friday that the funds for MBG were fully sourced from the central government.

He highlighted that a total of 80 MBG kitchens, officially known as nutrition fulfillment service units (SPPGs), have been established in Bali, accounting for 29 percent of the target to build 422 units.

Thanks to these kitchens, Arkan noted, the MBG program has catered to the nutritional needs of 256,005 schoolchildren, pr...