Defence Ministry distributes food and fast-breaking packages during Ramadhan

Jakarta — Indonesia’s Defence Ministry (Kemhan) is distributing food packages and takjil (fast-breaking meals) to communities across Jakarta, Bogor, and Tangerang throughout Ramadhan.

The initiative, titled “Ramadhan Berkah Kemhan RI” (Blessed Ramadhan Defence Ministry), was launched following direct instructions from Defence Minister Sjafrie Sjamsoeddin to alleviate economic hardship experienced by citizens during the holy month.

Marsma TNI Toni Setiawan, Head of the Defence Ministry’s General Bureau, stated: “The Defence Minister has instructed us to distribute food packages and takjil throughout Ramadhan as a demonstration of the Defence Ministry’s commitment and compassion towards the community.”

The distribution occurs twice weekly on Tuesdays and Fridays, with each session providing between 1,000 and 1,500 food packages to the public. The packages contain essential commodities including sugar, syrup, instant noodles, cooking oil, sauce, and soy sauce in packaged form.

The inaugural distribution took place on Tuesday in front of the gates of Taman Mini Indonesia Indah (TMII) in East Jakarta, where members of the public queued enthusiastically from 4:00 PM onwards.

Setiawan noted that the Defence Ministry plans to extend the programme beyond Ramadhan through a “Blessed Friday” initiative to maintain the spirit of charitable giving throughout the year. The ministry hopes the social welfare activity will strengthen gratitude and faith among citizens whilst reinforcing national unity and cohesion.

“In this way, communities can perform their Ramadhan worship peacefully and devoutly,” he concluded.