Jakarta – The government, through the National Nutrition Agency (BGN), has officially tightened the implementation standards of the Free Nutritious Meals Program (MBG) during Ramadan 1447 H and the 2026 national holiday period. The policy is outlined in the latest technical guidelines regulating menu composition, food safety standards, and distribution mechanisms during the fasting month. This step was taken to strengthen program quality while ensuring that beneficiaries’ health remains safeguarded.
Under the new provisions, BGN has prohibited the use of ultra-processed food (UPF) products in all MBG menus during Ramadan. UPF products are considered risky as they generally contain additives such as preservatives, artificial sweeteners, colorings, and synthetic flavorings that are not aligned with balanced nutrition principles. In addition, spicy menus are not permitted during the fasting period to prevent stomach discomfort and digestive irritation among beneficiaries.
Head of the National Nutrition Agency, Dadan Hindayana, emphasized that the policy is the result of evaluations of previous MBG implementation and takes into account public health considerations during Ramadan.
“We are ensuring that nutritional standards continue to be met, but menu composition must be adjusted to fasting conditions. We are prohibiting UPF and spicy foods to maintain food safety and the health of beneficiaries,” Dadan stated.
The government has also adjusted distribution mechanisms. During Ramadan, some regions will implement a dry food package or bundled meal system that can be consumed at iftar (breaking the fast). This scheme is considered more effective in maintaining food quality during distribution, especially throughout the extended holiday and collective leave period.
Coordinating Minister for Food Affairs, Zulkifli Hasan, stated that the MBG Program will continue in full during Ramadan with stricter supervision standards.
“The program will continue. What we are doing is making adjustments so that the food is safer, healthier, and suitable for fasting needs. There must be no compromise on nutritional quality,” he stressed.
The guidelines encourage the use of fresh and locally sourced food ingredients such as eggs, fish, chicken, home-processed meat, fruits, and dates as natural sources of energy. Nutritional standards remain tailored to the age groups of beneficiaries to ensure adequate intake of calories, protein, and micronutrients.
The government emphasized that strengthening these standards is part of its long-term commitment to building a healthy and productive human resource base. With menu and distribution adjustments during Ramadan 2026, the government ensures that the Free Nutritious Meals Program continues to operate optimally and safely, delivering tangible benefits to the public without disrupting the observance of fasting.