February 25, 2026 | 11:15 am
TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - Deputy Head of the National Nutrition Agency (BGN) Nanik Sudaryati Deyang emphasized that the portion allocation in the free nutritious meal (MBG) program is set at Rp8,000-10,000 per portion, not Rp15,000. This statement was made in response to the widespread discussion on social media regarding the MBG menu during Ramadan, which is considered to deviate from the budget regulations.
Nanik explained that the budget of Rp13,000 for toddlers up to grade 3 students, and Rp5,000 for students from grade 4 and above up to breastfeeding mothers, is not entirely used for food ingredients. Part of the budget is allocated for operational needs and incentives for the foundation or implementing partners.
"So, we would like to remind that the budget for food ingredients for toddlers/early childhood education/Kindergarten/RA and elementary school/MI grade 1-3 is Rp8,000 per portion. Meanwhile, for elementary school/MI grade 4 and above up to breastfeeding mothers, the budget for food ingredients is Rp10,000 per portion," said Nanik in a written statement on Tuesday, February 24, 2026.
Nanik elaborated that in addition to food ingredients, the MBG budget also includes operational costs of Rp3,000 per portion. The funds are used for various supporting needs, including electricity, internet, gas, water, incentives for SPPG (integrated health post) volunteer workers, and incentives for teachers responsible for MBG at schools and vehicle incentives.
Furthermore, the operational fund of Rp3,000 also includes BPJS (Workers Social Security Agency) contributions for volunteers, incentives for posyandu cadre who distribute meals for 3B (Toddlers, Pregnant Women, Lactating Women), purchase of personal protective equipment and cleanliness needs, fuel payments for MBG vehicles, and the operational costs of the SPPG Head and team.
Meanwhile, the budget allocation of Rp2,000 per portion is used for land and building rental costs, including kitchens, four warehouses, two food storage rooms, wastewater treatment plant construction, water filtration, and rental of modern cooking equipment, from steam rice cookers, steam cleaners, stoves, refrigerators, chillers, freezers, pots, to rental of food warmers.
In the latest technical guidance 401, Nanik stated that the budget of Rp2,000 per portion is categorized as incentives for SPPG facilities provided by partners, amounting to Rp6 million per day, assuming each SPPG serves 3,000 beneficiaries.
Nevertheless, Nanik said that BGN remains open to input or reports if there are indications that the MBG menu is considered to be below the allocated budget.
"Each report will be professionally followed up, objectively, and in accordance with applicable supervision procedures, to ensure that the MBG program is implemented in accordance with the stipulated regulations and standards."
During Ramadan, the MBG is distributed in the form of ration packs, distributed in bundles for a three-day portion. The distribution of MBG during the fasting month caused a stir on social media, after the provided food was considered substandard.
Some schools and parents of students shared the MBG menu on their social media. Some of the menu compositions served included two boxes of packaged milk, dates, fruits, and several pieces of unbranded and expired bread.
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