Riau Islands Nutrition Unit Ensures Free Nutritious Meal Kitchens Serve Students with Special Ramadan Menu

Batam (ANTARA) — The Nutrition Fulfilment Service Unit (SPPG) of the Riau Islands (Kepri) has confirmed that Free Nutritious Meal (MBG) kitchens are operating with menu adjustments for student beneficiaries during the month of Ramadan.

SPPG Kepri Regional Head Anindita Ayu said the Ramadan MBG service began on Monday, 23 February 2026.

“It started yesterday. Schools where the majority of students are not fasting continue to use the standard boxed meal menu, whilst schools with a Muslim majority are using a dry food menu,” she said when contacted in Batam on Tuesday.

She explained that the dry menu is prepared for students to take home rather than consume at school during class hours. “The dry menu is specifically prepared for all students to bring home,” she said.

She noted that at SMP 12 Batam, meals were consolidated for three days at once to accommodate the school’s short Islamic boarding programme (pesantren kilat).

The distributed packages include cheese bread, peanuts, oat snacks, boiled eggs, oranges, as well as assorted bread, dates, sliced cheese, and peanuts.

SMPN 12 Batam Principal Nurmi said the MBG programme operates differently during Ramadan compared with regular days.

“Distribution continues daily, but in dry form so that children are not inconvenienced and there are no concerns about food spoiling,” she said.

At SMPN 12 Batam, a total of 1,104 students benefit from the MBG programme.

Nurmi emphasised that all students, both Muslim and non-Muslim, continue to receive the same menu distribution.