Coordinating Minister Zulhas Guarantees Dry Food MBG Packages During Ramadan Remain Nutritious
Jakarta, VIVA – Coordinating Minister for Food Zulkifli Hasan has confirmed that the preparation of dry food menus for the Free Nutritious Meals (MBG) programme during Ramadan 1447 Hijriah will continue to meet nutritional standards.
He explained that each MBG package must contain foods providing protein, carbohydrates and fibre. These requirements remain mandatory and must be carefully calculated by the nutrition experts stationed at each Nutrition Fulfilment Service Unit (SPPG).
“The most important thing is meeting the nutritional requirements, as each SPPG already has its own nutrition experts,” said Zulhas, as Zulkifli Hasan is commonly known, after inspecting the distribution of dry MBG menus at SMA Negeri 3 in Malang, East Java, on Tuesday, 24 February 2026.
He explained that distribution times have also been adjusted — for Islamic boarding schools, for instance, deliveries are shifted closer to the time for breaking the fast. Meanwhile, non-Muslim students at each school continue to receive MBG packages as normal.
“Pregnant women, toddlers and breastfeeding mothers also continue to receive them,” he said.
Additionally, the Coordinating Minister stated that the government is continuing efforts to ensure equitable distribution of the MBG programme by identifying schools and Islamic boarding schools that have yet to receive packages.
He cited Madrasah Aliyah Negeri (MAN) 2 in Malang as an example of a school that has not yet received MBG distribution. MAN 2 Malang has been asked to submit student enrolment data, which will serve as the basis for determining the required number of food packages.
“I have requested their data and we will promptly assist them in receiving MBG. Many boarding schools have also not yet received it — nearly 40 per cent — and they are being registered,” he said.
Meanwhile, the head of SMA Negeri 3 Malang, Sasongko, confirmed that the school has received MBG distribution in the form of dry food packages for 1,060 students and 98 teachers and education staff.
“Thank God, I can see the children are quite enthusiastic, so it can serve as provisions for them to take home for breaking the fast,” he said.
Separately, the head of MAN 2 Malang, Samsudin, stated that before his school can receive MBG, a verification process regarding student and teacher numbers must first be completed.
His team will also communicate with parents and guardians regarding the implementation of the MBG programme. “We have 1,572 students, and 208 teachers and education staff. Following the Minister’s visit, we will carry out technical coordination,” he said.