Free Nutritious Meal Programme During Ramadan: National Nutrition Agency Denies Sahur Distribution Claims

The Deputy Head of the National Nutrition Agency (BGN) for Public Communication and Investigation, Nanik S. Deyang, has denied reports suggesting the agency would distribute Free Nutritious Meals (MBG) during sahur (pre-dawn meal) throughout the Ramadan fasting month.

Nanik stressed that during Ramadan, MBG distribution is limited to Mondays and Thursdays only, not daily and not during the early morning hours.

“We need to set the record straight — MBG during Ramadan is only distributed on Mondays and Thursdays, with official service hours from 08:00 to 09:00 and 11:00 to 12:00 Western Indonesian Time. There is no distribution during sahur,” Nanik said in a statement on Sunday (22 February).

Nanik explained that the schedule applies to collection at Nutrition Fulfilment Service Units (SPPG), deliveries to schools, and scheduled drop-off point deliveries.

For boarding schools and Islamic boarding schools (pesantren), food is prepared during the daytime and served at iftar (the breaking of the fast), in coordination with the educational institutions.

At the start of Ramadan, specifically from 18 to 22 February 2026, no MBG distribution took place. Distribution resumes on Monday (23 February), continuing with the twice-weekly service pattern on Mondays and Thursdays.

In areas where the majority of beneficiaries observe the fast, MBG is provided in the form of healthy packaged food parcels that can be consumed at iftar or gradually throughout the evening.

The parcels are produced and packaged by SPPG units whilst maintaining balanced nutrition standards and food safety requirements.

“The schedule and mechanisms have been clearly set out in the Circular Letter. We urge the public not to be easily provoked by misleading content and to always refer to official information,” she said.