Free Nutritious Meals Programme in Bali Suspended from 18-30 March 2026

The Free Nutritious Meals (MBG) programme for the Bali region will be suspended for nearly two weeks during the school holiday period and Nyepi Day. This suspension follows the provisions outlined in Circular Letter (SE) Number 6 of 2026 regarding the cessation of MBG distribution from 18-30 March 2026.

Risca Christina, the BGN Coordinator for the Bali Region, explained that the suspension of distribution follows the school academic calendar. “Because it coincides with school holidays, we have directed our school meal programme heads to coordinate with the schools. The final distribution of MBG will follow the policy of each respective school,” Risca said when contacted on Monday, 16 March 2026.

Risca added that field SPPG coordinators have been instructed to communicate information about the temporary cessation of MBG distribution during the school holiday and Nyepi period to prevent confusion.

During the fasting month, some schools continue to request MBG distribution in the form of dried food that can be consumed on the same day. Meanwhile, as the upcoming holiday period approaches, dried food packages will be distributed for several days ahead when MBG distribution will not take place.

“Dried food packages are typically bundled to meet requirements for approximately three days,” Risca explained.

Expansion of 134 School Meal Programme Kitchens in Bali

The central government plans to increase the number of school meal programme (SPPG) kitchens in nearly all regions in 2026 as a step towards expanding the MBG. This plan is also being realised in Bali, as the province is included among areas that will expand MBG kitchen facilities in 2026.

Risca disclosed that Bali is one of the regions targeted for this facility expansion. “Indeed, Bali is among the regions that will receive additional facilities. The target is approximately 134 more SPPG kitchens in 2026,” she concluded.