Jakarta – The Free Nutritious Meals (MBG) program during Ramadan continues to be strengthened in terms of nutritional standards and budget management. The government ensures that the implementation of this flagship program continues to meet the principles of quality, targeted attention, and transparency in the use of state funds amid a significant increase in the number of beneficiaries.
The Head of the National Nutrition Agency (BGN), Dadan Hindayana, emphasized his agency’s commitment to continuously improving the quality of the MBG during Ramadan. He stated that a comprehensive evaluation was conducted to ensure the program’s implementation adhered to standards and avoided public controversy.
“We want to ensure that the implementation of the Ramadan MBG adheres to nutritional standards, is on target, and is transparent in terms of budget utilization. This evaluation is important to avoid misunderstandings in the public sphere,” said Dadan.
He explained that the evaluation covered various aspects, from food packaging and menu composition to transparency in calculating the Recommended Dietary Allowance (RDA). Dadan also urged all Nutrition Fulfillment Service Units (SPPG) and BGN partners to pay attention to packaging quality. He added that MBG menus should not be packaged in simple plastic but should be packaged in hygienic containers capable of maintaining the food’s quality until it reaches the recipient.
Furthermore, the National Food Security Agency (BGN) emphasized adherence to established raw material quotas. Dadan cited the importance of considering nutritional value, price, and public acceptance in food selection.
“Nuts are relatively more expensive than eggs, while eggs have a better protein image and are more readily accepted by the public,” he said.
Support for strengthening the MBG also came from parliament. Indah Kurniawati, a member of Commission IX of the Indonesian House of Representatives (DPR RI), reminded the public to be more discerning in choosing food and beverages by paying attention to packaging labels, distribution permits, and expiration dates. This step is considered crucial for maintaining family health and supporting the success of the MBG program.
“The MBG program implemented by BGN is a long-term investment for the nation,” he said.
Indah also hopes that the SPPG kitchen will involve the local community as food suppliers. This way, the program will not only improve children’s nutritional quality but also stimulate the local economy. She emphasized that program oversight requires a collaborative effort and fosters dialogue for the community to provide constructive input.
In terms of budget, the Ministry of Finance reported that as of February 21, 2026, the realization of the use of MBG funds had reached IDR 36.6 trillion, or 10.9 percent of the total allocation of IDR 335 trillion. Deputy Minister of Finance Suahasil Nazara stated that the number of MBG recipients continues to increase, from 53.8 million people at the end of 2025 to 60.24 million recipients as of February 21, 2026. During the same period, the number of SPPGs jumped to 23,678 units, marking the expansion of MBG services nationwide. (*)