27 January 2025
As the morning air remains crisp, the kitchen at Debby Sukaran’s residence is already alive with activity. At five in the morning, the clatter of pots and the rhythmic chopping of vegetables fill the dimly lit space. An experienced cook measures rice into a large pot, while two younger assistants expertly chop carrots, green beans, and cabbage. Each movement is precise and efficient, a routine they have mastered over time.
Debby and her team are preparing free lunches for students at Loji Permai Middle School and Tunas Muda High School in Kawasi. Since October 2023, she has been entrusted as a catering vendor for a Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) initiative by Harita Nickel aimed at ensuring students receive proper nutrition so they can focus on their studies without worrying about their midday meals.
Every day, Debby’s small kitchen provides meals for 229 students and 25 teaching staff. The nutritious menu includes protein from fish or chicken, fresh vegetables, and fruit.
“At first, I was unsure if I could handle such a large order every day,” Debby admitted while checking a freshly cooked batch of rice.“But over time, we became accustomed to the routine. Now, there is a great sense of satisfaction in seeing the students enjoy the meals we prepare.”
As the clock approaches eight in the morning, the meals are packaged with care. The rice is molded into uniform portions, side dishes are neatly packed, and each lunch box is checked before being loaded into the delivery vehicle.
At the meal distribution table, neatly stacked boxes await the students. Syifa Nurjannah, one of the students, eagerly unpacks her lunch.
One by one, students collected their meals and returned to their seats. Among them, Syifa Nurjannah quickly unpacked her lunch. “After a long day of studying, it’s great to finally share a meal with friends,” she said with a smile. “There’s something special about eating together. It brings us closer and allows us to connect while enjoying our food.”
Around her, her classmates also began to enjoy their meals. Some engaged in light conversation, while others quietly savored each bite.
In another part of the room, Servin Langkodi, Biology teacher and principal of Loji Permai Middle School, observed his students gathered in groups, enjoying their lunch. “This free lunch program has been invaluable for the students. After a full day of learning, they can eat together without the worry of hunger or having to find food elsewhere. It’s not just about providing food, but about fostering a sense of community among them,” he stated.
From the company’s perspective, Ifan Farianda, Community Development Manager at Harita Nickel, emphasized that this program is a key part of the company’s commitment to supporting the well-being of students in Kawasi.
“We want to ensure that children in Kawasi can study comfortably without worrying about their lunch. Through this program, they leave school with full stomachs and still have the energy to continue their activities at home,” he stated.
“We are committed to implementing social programs that align with the needs of the local community. We also continuously assess these programs to ensure they are operating effectively,” he added.
As the school day came to a close, the grounds began to clear as students finished their meals and began heading home. Some continued to chat while taking their empty boxes to the trash bins. While the school day had ended, for these students, the new routine they most looked forward to was sharing lunch together.
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