With Special Adjustments, MBG Programme to Continue During Ramadan

TheIndonesia.id - The Indonesian government has confirmed that the Free Nutritious Meals (MBG) programme will continue throughout Ramadan, with adjustments made for school breaks, as outlined in a joint circular issued by three government ministers.

According to Antara News Agency, Presidential Communication Office (PCO) spokesperson Dedek Prayudi announced on Monday that free meals distribution will be paused during the school break, from February 27 to March 5, 2025, and will resume on March 6. Additionally, the program will be suspended during the Eid al-Fitr period, from March 26 to April 8, and will restart on April 9, 2025.

"The distribution of meals during the school break and Eid holidays will be temporarily halted," Prayudi explained, "but the programme will continue as planned once these periods are over."

The National Nutrition Agency (BGN) has also adjusted the free meals menu to accommodate the dietary needs of students who are fasting during Ramadan. Special Ramadan meals will be provided by the nutrition fulfillment service units (SPPG), including items like milk, boiled eggs, biscuits, fruits, and dates.

In an effort to promote sustainability, the food will be packed in reusable bags for students to take home, with the understanding that they will return the bags for reuse. For students not fasting, meals will be distributed as usual but served in separate rooms to respect those who are observing the fast.

Launched officially on January 6, the MBG program is part of President Prabowo Subianto and Vice President Gibran Rakabuming Raka’s main initiatives for their 2024–2029 term. As of February 24, the programme has reached 2 million students across early childhood education to vocational high school levels, with 726 SPPGs providing meals in 38 provinces.

The MBG programme continues to serve as a key initiative in promoting nutrition and supporting students' well-being across the nation.