{
  "id": 6188970,
  "title": "West Java Suspends Free Nutritious Meals at Schools Amid Anak Krakatau Ash Risks",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/09/07/west-java-suspends-free-nutritious-meals-at-schools-amid-anak",
  "topic": "world",
  "section": "World",
  "published": "2026-09-07T23:36:50.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "Tempo.co English",
    "slug": "tempo-co-english",
    "url": "https://en.tempo.co/read/2119134/west-java-suspends-free-nutritious-meals-at-schools-amid-anak-krakatau-ash-risks"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "Indonesia's National Nutrition Agency (BGN) has halted the Free Nutritious Meals (MBG) programme for several schools in West Java, following risks posed by volcanic ash from Mount Anak Krakatau. This decision, announced on 7 September 2026, came into effect amidst the implementation of virtual schooling across various regions due to volcanic eruptions, including in Bogor City, Bogor District, Cianjur District, Sukabumi City, Depok City, and Purwakarta District.\n\nKhairul Hidayati, Head of Legal and Public Relations Bureau at BGN in Jakarta, confirmed the suspension, emphasizing its purpose to ensure the programme's continued adaptability and alignment with regional policies. She highlighted the urgency of anticipating the impacts of volcanic ash on students' learning activities and health. Hidayati stated that the BGN would monitor the situation closely and coordinate with regional governments, promising a readjustment of the MBG programme once conditions become feasible and in-person learning resumes.\n\nThe BGN clarified that the MBG distribution is only temporarily stopped, stressing that the programme's resumption will consider the evolving situation and the schooling policies of each regional administration. Hidayati affirmed that every operational decision will prioritize safety, school readiness, and the interests of programme beneficiaries.\n\nBeyond West Java, similar decisions by schools in Lampung, Banten, and Jakarta provinces to shift to remote learning were prompted by Mount Anak Krakatau's increasing activity. These actions are based on circular letters issued by Minister of Primary and Secondary Education Abdul Mu’ti in 2026, along with a 2019 ministerial regulation.",
  "summary": "West Java suspends Free Nutritious Meals at schools switching to remote learning amid health risks from volcanic ash from Anak Krakatau.",
  "key_points": [
    "West Java suspends Free Nutritious Meals program at schools.",
    "Decision due to volcanic ash risks from Anak Krakatau eruption.",
    "Program to resume once conditions allow and schools reopen."
  ],
  "editors_take": "The suspension of free meals allows authorities to prioritize student safety and adapt the programme to regional policies amid ongoing volcanic ash risks and shifting schooling arrangements.",
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 2,
    "also_reported_by": [
      {
        "outlet": "Antara News Indonesia",
        "title": "Free meals halted at schools in West Java amid volcanic ash risks",
        "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/09/07/free-meals-halted-at-schools-in-west-java-amid-volcanic-ash-risks",
        "published": "2026-09-07T11:32:02.000Z"
      }
    ]
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}