Jakarta, July 21 -- Indonesia's largest Islamic organization, Nahdlatul Ulama (NU), has expressed its readiness to operate dedicated kitchens for the government's Free Nutritious Meals (MBG) program in 125 Islamic boarding schools (pesantrens) under its management.

Chairman of the NU Central Executive Board (PBNU), Yahya Cholil Staquf, said in Jakarta on Monday that all the pesantrens had undergone various processes, including verification, to be declared eligible to host such kitchens - officially called Nutrition Fulfillment Service Units (SPPGs).

"Indeed, we had to follow all the predetermined steps, but we are committed to accelerating our efforts going forward," Staquf remarked.

The government is expanding the MBG program by suppo...