Bandung, Oct. 23 -- West Java Regional Legislative Council (DPRD) Commission V member Aceng Malki has proposed that the Free Nutritious Meal (MBG) program be independently managed by schools, Islamic boarding schools (pesantren), and local health posts (posyandu) through their own canteens or designated kitchens.

The proposal comes after West Java recorded the highest number of food poisoning cases linked to the program compared to other provinces in Indonesia.

According to Aceng, direct management by schools would make the program safer, more hygienic, and better targeted.

He argued that schools and other educational institutions are more familiar with the needs and preferences of their students, allowing them to provide meals that be...