Interior Minister Tito Channels Meugang Meat Aid to Welcome Idul Fitri, President Prabowo Fulfils Aceh Residents' Request

President Prabowo Subianto has fulfilled the request of Aceh communities affected by the Sumatran flood disaster to continue their meugang tradition in welcoming Idul Fitri 2026. The request was conveyed through Interior Minister Muhammad Tito Karnavian, who also serves as Head of the Task Force for Acceleration of Rehabilitation and Reconstruction (PRR) following the Sumatran disaster.

The aspiration emerged because communities wished to maintain the distinctive Aceh tradition despite their post-disaster circumstances. The government responded swiftly to this request as a demonstration of state presence and support for the affected communities.

Meugang is a local wisdom tradition of Aceh communities practised to welcome the holy month of Ramadan and Idul Fitri celebrations. The tradition carries strong social value as it serves as a moment of solidarity through the sharing and communal consumption of beef.

Previously, the President, through the Interior Minister, had distributed Rp72.72 billion for the purchase of cattle for meugang celebrations at the beginning of Ramadan for disaster-affected communities. This assistance was intended to enable communities to experience the atmosphere of welcoming the holy month with full unity.

On this occasion, the President has again channelled assistance for the meugang celebration in welcoming Idul Fitri. “The funds have been transferred to districts and cities in Aceh Province for payment of meugang cattle,” said the Interior Minister in a statement in Jakarta on Tuesday, 17 March 2026.

Based on data received, the total budget channelled reached Rp72.75 billion for 1,455 affected villages spread across 19 districts and cities. Each village received funds of Rp50 million. The funds were transferred directly to the Regional General Treasury Account (RKUD) through Bank Aceh Syariah.