By: Hifi Wardani )*
The month of Ramadan תמיד brings a different atmosphere to the lives of the Indonesian people. Learning, working, and social activities continue in a rhythm adjusted to the observance of fasting. In this context, the Free Nutritious Meals Program (MBG) needs to be managed with a more adaptive and sensitive approach to the needs of Muslims. The concept of “Ramadan-Friendly MBG” is essential to ensure that nutritional fulfillment continues optimally without diminishing the solemnity of worship. The program is not merely about food distribution, but also a reflection of the state’s commitment to balancing health and spirituality.
MBG was fundamentally designed to ensure that children and vulnerable groups receive balanced nutritional intake. However, during Ramadan, consumption patterns change significantly. Mealtimes are limited to suhoor (pre-dawn meal) and iftar (breaking the fast), while daily activities continue as usual. If not properly anticipated, these changes could reduce energy intake and concentration, particularly among students. Therefore, the Ramadan-Friendly MBG approach can focus on providing nutritious meal packages that can be consumed at iftar or taken home for suhoor, ensuring the benefits remain without interfering with fasting.
Coordinating Minister for Food Affairs Zulkifli Hasan explained that for Muslim students observing the fast, the MBG program will continue by providing nutritious, easy-to-carry dry food. The prepared menu includes boiled eggs, bread, and dates—important sources of energy and nutrients to maintain stamina during fasting.
This menu adjustment aims to respect the sanctity of Ramadan while ensuring that Muslim students continue to receive adequate nutrition without disrupting their religious observance. Dry food is chosen because it is practical, durable, and easy to consume at suhoor or iftar. Moreover, its nutritional content has been tailored to meet students’ needs during fasting.
Vice Mayor of Tanjungbalai, Muhammad Fadly Abdina, emphasized that the MBG program during Ramadan must be communicated with a narrative that highlights respect for religious practices. Schools, parents, and students need to understand that the program is flexible and does not require students to eat during the daytime. Such transparency will prevent misunderstandings within the community. The program can even serve as an educational platform on maintaining health during fasting, including recommendations to drink sufficient water at suhoor and iftar and to choose balanced, nutritious foods.
Furthermore, Ramadan-Friendly MBG can strengthen the spirit of mutual cooperation (gotong royong). Involving local micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs) in preparing iftar meals can amplify the program’s economic impact. Community kitchens or local catering providers can be empowered under strict quality standards. Thus, the benefits extend beyond meal recipients to the surrounding community engaged in the supply chain. Ramadan becomes a momentum for sharing with broad social and economic impact.
Chairman of the Indonesian Nutritious Meal Entrepreneurs Association (GAPEMBI), Alven Stony, stated that quality control and food safety must remain top priorities. During Ramadan, food temperature and storage time must be carefully monitored to maintain quality until iftar. Kitchen hygiene standards, packaging, and distribution processes must be further tightened. Regular supervision is essential to prevent food poisoning or quality degradation. These efforts ensure that the goal of safeguarding nutrition does not inadvertently create new problems.
Beyond production kitchens, employment absorption effects also extend throughout the supply chain. Approximately 22,000 food suppliers are involved in supporting SPPG operations. Each supplier employs at least three workers, generating tens of thousands of additional jobs in agriculture, livestock, fisheries, and distribution sectors. Under this scheme, MBG is seen as creating a comprehensive employment ecosystem from upstream to downstream—from farmers and staple traders to kitchen staff and food distributors delivering meals to beneficiaries.
From an educational perspective, Ramadan-Friendly MBG also supports students’ learning concentration. Fasting should not diminish academic enthusiasm, though it does require good energy management. With proper nutritional intake at iftar and suhoor, students can maintain endurance and focus in their studies. Moreover, schools can use Ramadan as an opportunity to integrate nutrition education into religious programs or short Islamic boarding school activities (pesantren kilat), ensuring that understanding of health and worship progresses hand in hand.
Ultimately, Ramadan-Friendly MBG represents a policy that is responsive to Indonesia’s social and religious dynamics. It affirms that nutritional fulfillment and respect for worship are not contradictory, but complementary. With adaptive design, inclusive communication, and strict oversight, MBG can remain an instrument for improving human resource quality—even during the holy month. Ramadan thus becomes a testament that public policies that are sensitive and humane are more readily accepted and capable of delivering sustainable benefits for future generations.
*) The author is a Government Policy Observer