December 25, 2025 | 03:47 pm
TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - Indonesia's National Nutrition Body (BGN) will temporarily suspend the distribution of the free nutritious meal program (MBG) at the beginning of January 2026. The temporary suspension is for technical preparation before the program fully resumes nationwide.
BGN Head, Dadan Hindayana, stated that the distribution of MBG will resume simultaneously on January 8, 2026. Meanwhile, January 2, 3, 5, 6, and 7, 2026, are designated as the preparation period for all Nutrition Fulfillment Service Units (SPPG/kitchen).
"These days are used for kitchen preparation, distribution, human resources, and strengthening food safety standards," Dadan said in a written statement on Thursday, December 25, 2025.
According to Dadan, this temporary pause is necessary for the optimal and safe implementation of MBG in 2026, especially in ensuring the quality of food and logistic readiness in the field.
Although the distribution of MBG for school children is flexible during the holiday and early year period, BGN emphasizes that nutritional intervention for vulnerable groups remains the top priority until the end of 2025. These groups include pregnant women, breastfeeding mothers, and toddlers, or Group B3.
"Nutritional intervention for pregnant women, breastfeeding mothers, and toddlers must not be interrupted. They are in the crucial first 1,000 days of life, which cannot be postponed," Dadan said.
BGN ensures that the MBG service for Group B3 continues on December 26, 27, 29, 30, and 31, 2025. According to Dadan, this group is not related to the academic calendar, so nutrition services must remain continuous.
Meanwhile, the distribution of MBG for school children during the year-end holiday is optional. BGN offers flexibility in the event of technical distribution constraints or if the children are on vacation with their families.
"It's optional for school children. If there are technical distribution constraints or if they are on holiday, it's not a problem if the meals are not taken or delivered. However, for those in need, we will still provide the service," Dadan said.
After the preparation period, BGN aims to fully normalize all MBG services, focusing on program continuity and food safety for all beneficiaries in 2026.
Read: JPPI: Over 20,000 Cases of Free Nutritious Meal-Linked Food Poisoning in 2025
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