Indonesia Pauses Free Nutritious Meal Program During School Break

The National Nutrition Agency (BGN) issued Circular No. 12/2026 on 17 June 2026, temporarily halting the Makan Bergizi Gratis (MBG) free‑meal program during school holidays (22 June–13 July 2026) and on all national holidays, weekends and regional holidays. The suspension applies to all beneficiary groups, including students, pregnant and nursing mothers, and toddlers. BGN deputy head Agustina Arumsari said the measure aims to optimise operations, improve resource efficiency and standardise delivery across Satuan Pelayanan Pemenuhan Gizi (SPPG) units.

The decision sparked protests in Blitar, where hundreds of SPPG volunteers marched to demand the programme continue, arguing it prevents stunting in rural areas. In Malang, city council members pledged to monitor and evaluate MBG, while student demonstrators called for broader policy reforms. Vice President Gibran Rakabuming Raka visited several regions with student representatives to audit the programme and its integration with the Red‑White Village Cooperatives (Kopdes Merah Putih). Coordinating minister Zulkifli Hasan highlighted that linking MBG with village cooperatives creates a supply chain for local produce, supports UMKM and promotes rural economic development.