Free Food at TNI Fair Monas, Residents Queue 2 Hours Before Distribution

JAKARTA, KOMPAS.com — The Indonesian Army (TNI AD) provided 2,000 free meals during the TNI Fair 2026 held at the National Monument (Monas), Central Jakarta, on Sunday (9/20/2026).

A queue of residents eager to receive the food had already formed, extending to the entrance of the TNI Fair around 9:40 a.m. WIB.

According to Kompas.com observations, those waiting carried coupons, which were small colored slips of paper that they would exchange for food.

At the Southeast intersection of Monas, a food truck displaying a camouflage banner reading "Free Food for the Community" was set up to distribute meals.

Several boxes of meals and bottled water were neatly arranged on tables in front of the truck.

One resident, Mala (49), said she had been waiting in line since 8:00 a.m. WIB, even though the food distribution was scheduled around 10:00 a.m.

"I’ve been here since 8:00 a.m., and it was already crowded all the way to the back," Mala said from the queue.

Those at the front of the line even urged the staff to start handing out food earlier.

"Come on, sir, start now," one resident pleaded.

The staff explained that distribution had not yet started because they were waiting for the designated time.

"Not yet, sir, it will be at 10:00 a.m. WIB. It’s still earlier than that," the staff replied.

Around 9:55 a.m. WIB, the food distribution began.

Each person was allowed to take only one portion of food and one drink, even if they held multiple coupons.

Mala said she received her coupon from her neighborhood chief (RT) in Tanjung Priok, North Jakarta.

"This event is for two days. I got the coupon for the 20th, so I came here," she explained.

Mala came with about 20 people from an Air Force housing complex. They departed early in the morning to avoid traffic jams and difficulties finding parking.

"Even at 5:30 a.m., the line was already almost full," she added.

Before returning to the food queue, Mala toured the TNI Fair 2026 area to take photos at several exhibition booths with TNI members.

She deliberately didn’t bring food from home because she planned to eat at the event.

"No (food brought), just water because I intend to eat here," said Mala.