Government Decides to Distribute Free Nutritious Meals Only on School Days, None on Holidays
The government has officially changed the distribution scheme for the Free Nutritious Meals (MBG) programme. The assistance is now provided only on school days and no longer distributed on holidays.
This decision was taken after a cross-ministerial evaluation in a limited coordination meeting at the Ministry of Coordinating for Food Affairs in Jakarta on Thursday (2/4/2026).
The Coordinating Minister for Food Affairs, Zulkifli Hasan, stated that the previous policy of continuing MBG distribution on holidays was deemed less effective.
“In order to improve and enhance the effectiveness of implementation, previously (MBG was given for) 6 days, including holidays. That turned out to be less effective. Therefore, we have decided that MBG (will be given on) school days, (students attend) 5 days,” said Zulhas, as quoted from Antara.
“If it’s Lebaran holiday, giving MBG is also not effective. So, on holidays, there will be no more (MBG distribution to students), only given on school days,” he continued.
Nevertheless, the government ensures that MBG distribution continues for vulnerable groups. Based on guidelines from the National Nutrition Agency through the Head of BGN Decree Number 52.1 of 2025, pregnant women, breastfeeding mothers, and toddlers still receive assistance for six days a week, unaffected by the school holiday calendar.
Meanwhile, students and those in Islamic boarding schools can still obtain MBG packages during holidays, depending on the readiness of schools or pesantren to arrange distribution.
The government is also providing special attention to 3T regions (disadvantaged, frontier, outermost) as well as areas with high stunting rates.
According to Zulhas, the distribution scheme in those regions can be more flexible, including the possibility of adding extra days for assistance.
“But for 3T and those with very high stunting, there will certainly be special handling. Besides the 5 school days, if needed, it can be added another 1 day,” he explained.
He emphasised that the MBG programme for pregnant women, breastfeeding mothers, and toddlers will not undergo any changes because it is considered to be running well and crucial for the future of the next generation.
“It needs to be refined now, yes. But (MBG for) pregnant and breastfeeding mothers and toddlers is very important, because that will determine the future of our children, which in the end will determine Indonesia’s future. (So far) There are no changes whatsoever,” said Zulhas.
Meanwhile, the Head of the National Nutrition Agency (BGN), Dadan Hindayana, estimated that reducing the frequency of the MBG programme for school students to five days a week could save up to Rp 20 trillion.
“Yes, we predict around Rp 20 trillion per year,” said Dadan after the meeting at the Ministry of Coordinating for Food Affairs.