Two-week pilot tests food temperature, serving time, student participation, and meal quality.
Batam has launched a pilot of Indonesia’s Free Nutritious Meals (MBG) program using a buffet-style serving method in classrooms. The trial aims to maintain food quality while involving students in meal preparation and distribution.
Batam Becomes First in Kepri
Batam has become the first city in Riau Islands province to pilot buffet-style meal service under Indonesia’s Free Nutritious Meals (MBG) program. The trial runs from November 9 to 20, 2026, at SD Negeri 006 Batu Aji, involving students from classes 6A and 6C. It is being implemented by SPPG Batam Batu Aji Tanjung Uncang 2 using guidelines developed by the National Nutrition Agency (BGN).
Food Temperature and Timing Closely Monitored
SPPG Batam Regional Coordinator Defri Frenaldi said the two-week trial will monitor food temperature and holding time, or the period between when meals finish cooking and when students consume them. Organizers aim to keep food temperatures above 60 degrees Celsius and limit holding time to two hours to help maintain food quality.
Students Help Serve Their Classmates
The buffet model also directly involves students in the meal service. Each day, eight students participate, with three helping SPPG staff prepare the buffet and five acting as portioning assistants for their classmates. The buffet is arranged inside each participating classroom, allowing the serving process to take place alongside the students’ regular school activities.
Nutrition Education Included Before Meals
Once all students have received their food, nutrition personnel provide information about the nutritional value of the meal before eating begins. Students may also take additional food if servings remain in the buffet containers. The system therefore combines meal distribution with nutrition education while testing a more flexible serving approach.
Pilot Adds No Extra Kitchen Operating Cost
SPPG Batu Aji Tanjung Uncang 2 head Mohd Rifqi Ananda said the buffet method does not increase kitchen operating costs. Items such as gloves and protective equipment are already included in SPPG operational expenses, while other serving equipment is supplied by kitchen partners or operators. Data collected during the pilot will be submitted to BGN for further evaluation.
Batam’s two-week experiment could provide practical evidence on whether buffet-style service can maintain food quality while encouraging student participation in the MBG program. For Indonesians, the trial offers a local example of how the national school meal initiative can be adjusted through testing and evaluation. For Singaporeans following developments in nearby Batam, it also provides insight into how the city is experimenting with public nutrition and school-service systems.
Sources: Batampos (2026) , Antara News (2026)
Keywords: Batam MBG Program, Buffet Style MBG, Free Nutritious Meals, SDN 006 Batu Aji, School Nutrition, Riau Islands
