Food Affairs Coordinating Minister Zulkifli Hasan has assured that the Free Nutritious Meals (MBG) program in schools will continue during Ramadan with menu adjustments. Muslim students will receive dry foods like eggs, bread, and dates to take home, while non-Muslim students get regular meals.
Jakarta, VIVA – Coordinating Minister for Food Affairs and Chairman of the National Mandate Party (PAN) Zulkifli Hasan, commonly known as Zulhas, stated that the Free Nutritious Meals (MBG) program will continue in schools during Ramadan. This assurance was given during an encounter at the PANFAST 2026 event in Hutan Kota, Senayan, Central Jakarta, on Saturday, February 14, 2026.
Zulhas explained that for Muslim students, the government will provide dry foods such as eggs, bread, and dates to be taken home. "So, for nutritious meals during the holy month of Ramadan, for Muslim students, dry food will be provided. Like eggs, dry ones, bread, dates, to be taken home," he said.
Meanwhile, non-Muslim students will continue to receive regular MBG. For students in pesantren, the program will be provided at iftar time, not during the day. MBG for pregnant women, toddlers, and breastfeeding mothers remains unchanged.
"Meanwhile, MBG for pregnant women, toddlers, breastfeeding mothers, there is no change. So, the change is for Muslim students, given dry food," Zulhas added. He also emphasized that the quality of MBG side dishes will not change despite the menu adjustments during Ramadan.
With these adjustments, Zulhas hopes the nutritional needs of children will continue to be met by the government throughout Ramadan.
