President Prabowo Fulfils Aceh Residents' Aspirations, Distributes Meugang Meat for Eid al-Fitr

President Prabowo Subianto has fulfilled a request from Aceh communities affected by the Sumatran floods to continue their traditional Meugang observance in preparation for Eid al-Fitr 2026. The request was conveyed through Minister of Home Affairs Muhammad Tito Karnavian.

The aspiration emerged as communities sought to maintain this tradition despite their post-disaster circumstances. The government responded to the request as an expression of state presence among the people.

Meugang is a local wisdom tradition of Aceh society performed to welcome Ramadan and Eid al-Fitr. This tradition carries strong social value as it represents a moment of unity through the distribution and collective consumption of beef within the community.

Previously, the President, through the Minister of Home Affairs, had distributed IDR 72.72 billion for the purchase of meugang cattle at the beginning of Ramadan for disaster-affected communities. On this occasion, the President has again channelled assistance for the Meugang celebration to mark Eid al-Fitr.

“The funds have already been transferred to the districts and municipalities in Aceh Province for payment of meugang cattle,” said Tito in his statement on Wednesday (18/3/2026).

Based on data received, the total budget distributed reached IDR 72.75 billion for 1,455 affected villages spread across 19 districts and municipalities. Each village received IDR 50 million. The funds were distributed directly to Regional General Treasury Accounts (RKUD) through Bank Aceh Syariah.