Batam confirms MBG services will run with adjustments following national Ramadan guidelines
As Ramadan approaches, concerns over social assistance continuity are answered with clarity. Batam authorities have confirmed that the Free Nutritious Meal program will remain active, ensuring nutrition support continues even during the fasting month.
MBG Program Confirmed to Continue
The Free Nutritious Meal Program, locally known as Makan Bergizi Gratis (MBG), will continue operating in Batam throughout Ramadan 1446 Hijriah. The confirmation was delivered by Defri Frenaldi, Chair of the Batam Nutrition Fulfillment Service Unit (SPPG), who emphasized that services would remain available despite adjustments aligned with central government policy.
Awaiting Official Technical Guidelines
Defri stated that SPPG Batam is currently preparing to follow the Ramadan implementation model issued by the National Nutrition Agency (BGN). However, operational details such as distribution mechanisms, meal types, and delivery timing are pending an official circular from the central government. Once released, the guidelines will be immediately communicated to schools and MBG kitchens across Batam.
Flexible Implementation During Fasting Month
All MBG service units in Batam will strictly follow national directives, including possible changes to food menus, distribution schedules, and delivery methods. These adjustments aim to respect Ramadan practices while ensuring beneficiaries continue to receive proper nutrition without disruption to their fasting observance.
Coordination With Schools and MBG Kitchens
SPPG Batam has maintained close coordination with schools, MBG kitchens, and related stakeholders. This coordination is intended to ensure the program runs smoothly, avoids interfering with religious activities, and remains effective in reaching children and other vulnerable groups during Ramadan.
Four National Schemes for Ramadan
Earlier, BGN Head Dadan Hindayana outlined four national MBG implementation schemes for Ramadan. These include providing durable meals for students to take home, maintaining normal services in non-fasting areas, continuing routine services for pregnant women, breastfeeding mothers, and toddlers, and adjusting meal times for Islamic boarding schools to coincide with iftar.
Batam Ready to Apply National Policy
Defri affirmed Batam’s readiness to implement any of the four schemes based on local conditions and beneficiary needs. He stressed that once the technical regulations are officially issued, execution on the ground will begin immediately, ensuring uninterrupted nutritional support.
The continuation of the MBG program during Ramadan highlights Indonesia’s commitment to safeguarding public nutrition, even during major religious observances. For Batam, a city closely connected to Singapore through economic and social ties, this consistency reinforces the importance of inclusive welfare policies that prioritize children and vulnerable communities while respecting cultural and religious contexts.
Sources: Batampos (2026)
Keywords: Free Nutritious Meal, Batam Ramadan, National Nutrition Program, Badan Gizi Nasional
