Jakarta, Oct. 21 -- The Indonesian government has introduced strict rules for kitchens preparing meals under its free school meal program, including a ban on cooking before midnight, the deputy head of the National Nutrition Agency (BGN) said Tuesday.

Nanik S. Deyang said kitchens must now start cooking at 2 a.m. or later, timed according to delivery schedules for different school levels, from early childhood to high school.

"They cook meals in batches-morning meals for kindergartens, then for elementary schools," she explained in Jakarta.

The agency has taken firm action against kitchens that violate operating procedures.

"We have closed 112 kitchens pending evaluation due to noncompliance," Deyang said.

Investigations revealed many...