Samarinda (ANTARA) - The Indonesian Government's Free Nutritious Meals Program offers myriad benefits to schoolchildren, especially those coming from underprivileged families, Mulawarman University's educationist Professor Susilo said.
"This program is very important, particularly for students from underprivileged families in suburban public schools," he remarked in Samarinda City, East Kalimantan Province, on Saturday (January 11).
In light of this program, he suggested that the government prioritize distributing free nutritious meals to public schools dominated by economically disadvantaged children.
This Free Nutritious Meals Program was launched nationally on January 6, and is set for gradual implementation in East Kalimantan on January 13.
Susilo argued that by providing free meals to eligible pupils, the government will enable them to focus more on their studies.
"With their meals provided at school, students from underprivileged families will no longer need to worry about food costs. They will be able to focus on studying without having to worry about family financial problems," he pointed out.
Furthermore, the professor expressed optimism that the program would also help improve the nutritional intake of schoolchildren, ultimately enhancing their concentration, memory, and stamina.
Studying with a full stomach will be more effective than while being hungry, he added.
Alluding to transparency, he emphasized the importance of ensuring all good governance principles getting implemented in executing the Free Nutritious Meals Program, including the distribution of the funds allocated.
"It is vital to put a multi-layered surveillance system in place, covering the program's implementation from the central to regional level," he affirmed.
He also urged the government to collaborate only with parties with positive track records to manage the program in a bid to prevent corrupt practices.
