TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - Indonesia's National Nutrition Agency (BGN) has decided to suspend the distribution of free nutritious meals (MBG) for toddlers, breastfeeding mothers, and pregnant women during school holidays, as outlined under BGN Circular Letter No. 12 of 2026.
The aforementioned holidays include school holidays, national holidays, religious holidays, and special optional local government holidays, as well as Saturdays and Sundays.
"Yes, for the 3B group (breastfeeding mothers, pregnant women, and toddlers). Thus, the calculation applies to both students and non-students," said the BGN deputy head and spokesperson Agustina Arumsari on Thursday, June 18. The 3B group is classified as non-student beneficiaries of MBG.
Additionally, based on the new circular, the nutrition fulfillment service unites (SPPGs) will no longer receive an Rp6 million daily incentive.
Arum explained that BGN issued this circular to optimize operational management and resource efficiency. "Coincidentally, a school break from June 22 to July 13, 2026, has been announced by the Ministry of Education," said Arum.
Arum emphasized that the previous bundling scheme for free meal distribution during school break will no longer be implemented. The same goes for Ramadan and other holidays, she said.
"We will not distribute MBG [during holidays] to standardize operational management and resource efficiency," Arum said.
She acknowledged that this policy might not please all stakeholders, including SPPG partners. "This may be greater than the interests of certain partners. Meanwhile, we are operational on other days. So, it feels fair; not operational, no service, no pay," she said.
Read: BGN Halts Free Student Meal Distribution During School Holidays
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