BGN Halts Free Nutritious Meals Distribution During School Holidays
The National Nutrition Agency (BGN) has decided to halt the distribution of the free nutritious meals (MBG) programme during school holidays. The decision is part of government budget efficiency adjustments. Previously, meals for school holidays were distributed early in the form of takeaway packages for students.
The previous scheme was typically used for mid-week holidays. However, this practice has now been officially discontinued. “Previously, if there were holidays on Wednesday and Thursday, meals for those days would be bundled and distributed on Tuesday as takeaway packages. This is no longer the case,” said Sony Sonjaya, BGN’s Operational Nutrition Fulfilment Deputy Chief, in a written statement on Tuesday, 26 May 2026.
In addition to ending the bundling system, BGN has also adjusted the MBG distribution schedule from six days to five days per week. Distribution now occurs only on school days. “We support the budget efficiency measures. One way BGN is contributing is by changing the MBG distribution pattern from six to five days a week,” Sony said.
Sony stated that MBG will now only be provided when students are at school and attending classes. If students are on holiday or engaged in activities outside school, meals will not be distributed. “The concept is that MBG is provided when students are at school. Therefore, if they are on holiday or involved in external activities, MBG will not be distributed,” he said.
Sony emphasised that the adjustment does not reduce the value or quality of meals received by students. Efficiency measures, he said, focus on management and distribution patterns to optimise budget usage. “There is no reduction in value. The changes are to adjust the distribution pattern for greater effectiveness and efficiency,” Sony added.
BGN believes ending the bundling system also aims to reduce potential waste and maintain meal quality for students. According to Sony, the move is part of strengthening national MBG operational governance.
Previously, BGN stated its support for the government’s 2026 budget efficiency measures. In the 2026 State Budget (APBN), BGN’s allocated budget is Rp 268 trillion to support MBG operations through the Nutrition Service Units (SPPG) across Indonesia.