Free Nutritious Meals Programme Suspended During Eid al-Fitr, Budget Savings of Rp5 Trillion Achieved
The National Nutrition Agency (BGN) has confirmed the temporary suspension of the Free Nutritious Meals (MBG) programme distribution during the Eid al-Fitr 2026 period. The agency claims this measure will deliver state budget savings of approximately Rp5 trillion.
BGN Head Dadan Hindayana explained that MBG operations for schoolchildren ended on 13 March 2026, whilst distribution to pregnant women, nursing mothers and infants concluded on Tuesday, 17 March.
Dadan described the distribution pause as part of national calendar adjustment. The government’s flagship programme is scheduled to resume normal operations at the end of March.
“After that, we will celebrate Eid al-Fitr, and the MBG programme will return to operations on 31 March 2026. With this policy, there will be budget savings of approximately Rp5 trillion,” Dadan said.
To ensure beneficiaries’ nutritional needs remain adequately met at the beginning of the holiday period, BGN has conducted early distribution (front-loading). On Tuesday, 17 March, recipients received one regular healthy meal package plus three bundled packages allocated for the 18-20 March 2026 period.
Given the substantial budget value managed, BGN has formally strengthened coordination with the Attorney General’s Office as a preventive measure to close corruption gaps in the management of Nutrition Fulfilment Service Units (SPPG) across all regions.
Dadan emphasised that he has requested placement of personnel from the Deputy Attorney General for Intelligence Affairs (Jamintel) to fill strategic positions within central BGN.
“I have requested that the Attorney General’s Office assign personnel to strengthen BGN at the central level, at echelon two position. The aim is to ensure SPPG managers work optimally, remain vigilant and transparent in utilising state budget,” he stated.
This cooperation is expected to ensure every Rupiah of allocated budget genuinely reaches those in need without bureaucratic leakage.