Free Nutritious Meals Programme resumes in Batam from 31 March

Batam — The Free Nutritious Meals Programme (MBG) in Batam City, Riau Islands, will resume operations and distribute food from 31 March following the 2026 Eid holiday break.

Defri Frenaldi, Coordinator for Batam’s Nutrition Services Unit (SPPG), stated that the temporary suspension of food distribution under the programme follows a circular from the Head of the National Nutrition Agency, Number 6 of 2026.

“Yes, there is a break for the SPPG kitchen. It will restart on 31 March 2026 in accordance with the Circular from the Head of the National Nutrition Agency, Number 6 of 2026,” Defri said when reached in Batam on Tuesday.

He explained that the suspension schedule for MBG distribution aligns with the school holiday period served by each SPPG in Batam. Some schools began their holidays from Saturday (14 March), whilst others commenced their break this week.

“For schoolchildren, distribution stops from their last school day. Some started holidays on Saturday and others have not yet started holidays, so service depends on the school,” he stated.

“For posyandu centres, the last distribution was on 16 March,” he added.

During Ramadhan, according to Defri, the MBG menu distributed in Batam is adjusted to suit community conditions, particularly for students observing the Ramadhan fast.

“In Batam during Ramadhan, we distribute dried food. It also depends on whether the school has a majority Muslim or non-Muslim student population,” he said.

Additionally, food distribution can be provided in bulk for multiple days simultaneously.

“For instance, food is distributed on Monday but covers several days ahead, so children can store it and consume it when breaking their fast,” he explained.

Sample menus being distributed include bread, dried meat jerky, and fruits such as oranges and dates.