National Nutrition Agency Asks for Ramadan Free Nutrition Programme Meals to No Longer Be Packaged in Plastic Bags, Nuts to Be Replaced with Eggs in the Menu

The National Nutrition Agency (BGN) is conducting a thorough evaluation of the menu and packaging of the Ramadan Free Nutrition Programme (MBG) following public criticism that the initial menu did not meet the recommended daily allowance (RDA).

The evaluation was discussed in a coordination meeting led by the Head of the BGN, Dadan Hindayana, together with all partners and heads of the Nutrition Service Units (SPPG) in order to respond to developments in the field.

“We want to ensure that the implementation of the Ramadan MBG remains in accordance with nutritional standards, is targeted appropriately, and is transparent in terms of budget use. This evaluation is important to prevent misunderstandings in the public sphere,” said Dadan in a statement in Jakarta, Wednesday, February 25, 2026.

In the evaluation, the BGN highlighted three main aspects, namely food packaging, menu composition, and transparency in the calculation of the RDA. Dadan emphasized that food packaging is a serious concern to ensure that quality and hygiene are maintained until it reaches the beneficiaries.

He asked all SPPGs and partners to no longer use simple plastic bags for food distribution. Food must be placed in more representative, hygienic containers that can maintain the quality of the food during the distribution process.

In addition to packaging, the composition of food ingredients is also being evaluated to ensure that it remains in accordance with the established raw material budget. Dadan gave the example of the use of nuts in the menu, which is considered to have a relatively higher price compared to eggs, while eggs are considered to have a better protein image and are more easily accepted by the public.

Therefore, partners are asked to adjust the menu composition by replacing nuts with eggs without reducing the nutritional value set in the program standards.

The BGN also requires each SPPG to prepare a detailed explanation of the RDA calculation and the price of each food ingredient in each menu. For information, the budget for the price of raw materials is set at IDR 8,000 for toddlers to elementary school students in grade 3, and IDR 10,000 for other groups.

“This basic benchmark may vary depending on the regional cost of living index and is cost-based, so it needs to be explained openly to the public,” said Dadan.

As part of strengthening food safety standards during Ramadan, each SPPG is also asked to start procuring vacuum equipment. The use of this technology is expected to make food more durable, hygienic, and still fit for consumption when distributed.