The Head of Indonesia’s National Nutrition Agency (BGN), Dadan Hindayana, has announced that simple plastic packaging will no longer be used for distributing Free Nutritious Meals (MBG) during Ramadan.
He stressed that future meal distributions must use proper, hygienic, and representative containers to maintain food quality until it reaches beneficiaries.
Improving Food Safety Standards
According to Dadan, packaging plays a critical role in preserving the nutritional value and safety of meals. The decision follows recent public discussions on social media regarding the quality and composition of Ramadan MBG food packages.
The agency has since reviewed several aspects of the program, including:
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Packaging standards
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Menu composition
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Transparency in meeting Nutritional Adequacy Rates (AKG)
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Budget accountability
“We want to ensure that the Ramadan MBG program complies with nutritional standards, reaches the right beneficiaries, and maintains transparency in budget use,” Dadan said during an online coordination meeting with nutrition service partners and kitchen unit heads (SPPG) on February 24, 2026.
Menu Adjustment: Eggs Replace Nuts
During the meeting, Dadan also recommended replacing nuts with eggs in the meal menu. He explained that nuts are relatively more expensive, while eggs provide high-quality protein at a lower cost and are more widely accepted by the public.
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This adjustment aims to improve both nutritional value and cost efficiency without exceeding budget allocations.
Clear Nutritional and Cost Transparency
The agency has instructed each kitchen to provide detailed information on the Nutritional Adequacy Rate (AKG) for every MBG menu distributed. Additionally, the price of each food component must be clearly documented to ensure transparency.
Current cost guidelines for raw materials are set at:
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Rp8,000 for toddlers and third-grade primary school children
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Rp10,000 for other beneficiary groups
However, these figures may vary depending on the regional cost of living index. Dadan clarified that the pricing reflects actual cost calculations rather than profit-driven estimates.
Adoption of Vacuum Sealing Technology
To further strengthen food safety during Ramadan, kitchens are encouraged to procure vacuum sealing equipment. This technology helps maintain food freshness, extend shelf life, and ensure hygienic distribution.
The measure is part of broader efforts to enhance food safety protocols within the MBG program.
Zero Tolerance for Poor-Quality Ingredients
The agency also issued a strict reminder against using substandard or spoiled raw materials. If any ingredients are found to be unsuitable, distribution should be postponed and replaced the following day.
“We do not want to compromise on quality,” Dadan emphasized. “Food must be safe, nutritious, and within budget. If ingredients are unsuitable, it is better to replace them than to force their use. This is our responsibility to the community.”
Commitment to Safe and Nutritious Ramadan Meals
Through these new policies, the National Nutrition Agency aims to ensure that Ramadan free meal programs maintain high standards of hygiene, nutrition, and financial transparency. By eliminating plastic packaging, improving menu composition, and enforcing stricter quality controls, the agency seeks to protect the health and well-being of beneficiaries throughout the holy month.
