Indonesia's MBG program continues for priority groups during holidays

hartono · Dec 26, 2025

File photo - A woman collects a free food package for her child during school holidays in Tangerang City, Banten, on December 24, 2025. (ANTARA FOTO/Putra M. Akbar/agr)

Jakarta (ANTARA) - Indonesia's Free Nutritious Meals (MBG) program continues to prioritize pregnant women, breastfeeding mothers, and children under five during school holidays, the National Nutrition Agency (BGN) said.

BGN stated that nutritional interventions for these groups remain the program's main focus and are not affected by the school calendar.

In a statement on Friday, BGN Head Dadan Hindayana said continuity of nutrition services is crucial as it relates to the first 1,000 days of a child's life, spanning from conception to a child’s second birthday.

"The first 1,000 days of life are a short window, and we must make the most of this golden period," Hindayana said.

He explained that the program is implemented more flexibly during school holidays. Meal provision for students becomes optional, particularly when delivery or pickup is not feasible due to technical constraints.

"However, for those in need, we will continue to provide the service," he added.

BGN noted that the MBG program will continue through the end of 2025 to ensure uninterrupted services for priority groups.

In 2026, nationwide free meal distribution is scheduled to resume on January 8, with earlier days allocated for kitchen evaluations and operational preparations.

Launched on January 6, the MBG program aims to improve the nutritional status of children under five, pregnant women, breastfeeding mothers, and students up to senior high school level.

The government has allocated a budget of Rp71 trillion (around US$4.24 billion) for the program this year.

Targeting 82.9 million beneficiaries, the MBG initiative is among the largest social nutrition programs implemented in Indonesia.