After a long wait, I finally got the opportunity to review what I like to call “war food” the Meals Ready to Eat (MRE) used by our Indonesian National Army (TNI). Around the world, MREs are known for their long shelf life and practicality, and almost every country with a standing army produces its own version of these meals. Indonesia is no exception
What Is MRE? An MRE (Meal, Ready-to-Eat) is a self-contained, individual field ration used by the military when traditional food service facilities are not available especially during combat or field training. It includes an entrée, side dish, dessert, snacks, drink mix, utensils, and sometimes even a flameless heater.
The United States was the first country to develop and use MREs as standard combat rations, starting in 1981. The idea spread globally, and now nearly every modern military uses its own version of MREs..
The TNI, a source of national pride, also produces its own MREs with a variety of types and flavors. One of the most well-known versions is the MRE with the T2SP code. Over the years, I’ve become familiar with the different variants, but the T2SP is perhaps the most iconic.
So, what does the TNI's T2SP MRE contain?
It typically comes with:
• Three cans of rice-based meals, each with different flavors like Green Chili Chicken Rice (Nasi Ayam Cabe Hijau), Grilled Fish Rice, and others.
• Enertab, an energy tablet that looks like a biscuit.
• Enertan, a fruit-flavored powdered drink.
• Milk powder.
• A spoon and other eating utensils.
• And interestingly, a compact paraffin stove , a small, multi-purpose tool for heating food practically in the field.
This ready-to-eat meal package is specifically designed for soldiers on duty in extreme field conditions providing not only nourishment but also energy and comfort in a practical, portable format. It’s truly fascinating how much thought goes into every component of these MREs, ensuring our troops are fueled and ready no matter where they are.
The MRE Review Experience: Grilled Fish Rice from the Police Ration (MTP-1)
The opportunity to review an MRE finally arrived on August 3, 2025. I received one can of food labeled MTP (Polri Supplementary Food) a Grilled Fish Rice meal from one of my neighbors, H.Fahmi, retired member of the West Kalimantan Regional Police. For privacy and security r\easons, I will keep their name and address confidential.
At first, I was very excited because I thought I would finally get my hands on a T2SP MRE from the Indonesian National Army (TNI), something I had dreamed of for a long time. I had seen so many video reviews of this legendary "war food" that I became very curious and eager to try one myself.
But reality turned out differently from my expectations instead of the TNI’s T2SP, I received one can of Grilled Fish Rice bearing the POLRI (Police) logo. Was I disappointed? A little. But honestly, it was still delicious
It turns out, this was actually a Meals Ready to Eat (MRE) product from the Indonesian National Police. I already knew that the police had their own rations back when I was still in college in the 1990s. And sure enough, the Grilled Fish Rice can I received was clearly labeled with the POLRI logo.
At a glance, the physical appearance of this Grilled Fish Rice MTP-1 can is almost identical to the TNI’s T2SP version. The can even comes with its own opener, so you don’t need a separate tool like when opening a sardine can. Very practical
So, How Does It Taste?
In short it’s pretty good! The sample I received, labeled MTP-1, came with instructions recommending that the food be heated before eating, and advising not to consume it if you notice anything unusual. (Okay, that part sounds a little scary, right?)
As for the flavor of the Grilled Fish Rice, it was enjoyable. You can definitely taste the grilled fish, and there are visible chunks of it at the bottom of the can. Tasty and satisfying
To serve it properly, I heated the can by boiling it in water a much safer option than using fire or a paraffin stove. The meal wasn’t spicy at all, though, which was a bit disappointing for someone like me who loves hot and spicy food. So, I had to prepare my own sambal or extra chili on the side. That’s the trick.
What Is MRE? An MRE (Meal, Ready-to-Eat) is a self-contained, individual field ration used by the military when traditional food service facilities are not available especially during combat or field training. It includes an entrée, side dish, dessert, snacks, drink mix, utensils, and sometimes even a flameless heater.
The United States was the first country to develop and use MREs as standard combat rations, starting in 1981. The idea spread globally, and now nearly every modern military uses its own version of MREs..
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SMALL: This is an MRE can belonging to a member of the Indonesian National Police. The Grilled Fish Rice variant is shown here in my hand. It weighs 300 grams. Photo by Asep Haryono |
The TNI, a source of national pride, also produces its own MREs with a variety of types and flavors. One of the most well-known versions is the MRE with the T2SP code. Over the years, I’ve become familiar with the different variants, but the T2SP is perhaps the most iconic.
So, what does the TNI's T2SP MRE contain?
It typically comes with:
• Three cans of rice-based meals, each with different flavors like Green Chili Chicken Rice (Nasi Ayam Cabe Hijau), Grilled Fish Rice, and others.
• Enertab, an energy tablet that looks like a biscuit.
• Enertan, a fruit-flavored powdered drink.
• Milk powder.
• A spoon and other eating utensils.
• And interestingly, a compact paraffin stove , a small, multi-purpose tool for heating food practically in the field.
This ready-to-eat meal package is specifically designed for soldiers on duty in extreme field conditions providing not only nourishment but also energy and comfort in a practical, portable format. It’s truly fascinating how much thought goes into every component of these MREs, ensuring our troops are fueled and ready no matter where they are.
The MRE Review Experience: Grilled Fish Rice from the Police Ration (MTP-1)
The opportunity to review an MRE finally arrived on August 3, 2025. I received one can of food labeled MTP (Polri Supplementary Food) a Grilled Fish Rice meal from one of my neighbors, H.Fahmi, retired member of the West Kalimantan Regional Police. For privacy and security r\easons, I will keep their name and address confidential.
At first, I was very excited because I thought I would finally get my hands on a T2SP MRE from the Indonesian National Army (TNI), something I had dreamed of for a long time. I had seen so many video reviews of this legendary "war food" that I became very curious and eager to try one myself.
But reality turned out differently from my expectations instead of the TNI’s T2SP, I received one can of Grilled Fish Rice bearing the POLRI (Police) logo. Was I disappointed? A little. But honestly, it was still delicious
It turns out, this was actually a Meals Ready to Eat (MRE) product from the Indonesian National Police. I already knew that the police had their own rations back when I was still in college in the 1990s. And sure enough, the Grilled Fish Rice can I received was clearly labeled with the POLRI logo.
At a glance, the physical appearance of this Grilled Fish Rice MTP-1 can is almost identical to the TNI’s T2SP version. The can even comes with its own opener, so you don’t need a separate tool like when opening a sardine can. Very practical
So, How Does It Taste?
In short it’s pretty good! The sample I received, labeled MTP-1, came with instructions recommending that the food be heated before eating, and advising not to consume it if you notice anything unusual. (Okay, that part sounds a little scary, right?)
As for the flavor of the Grilled Fish Rice, it was enjoyable. You can definitely taste the grilled fish, and there are visible chunks of it at the bottom of the can. Tasty and satisfying
To serve it properly, I heated the can by boiling it in water a much safer option than using fire or a paraffin stove. The meal wasn’t spicy at all, though, which was a bit disappointing for someone like me who loves hot and spicy food. So, I had to prepare my own sambal or extra chili on the side. That’s the trick.
A Message From Asep Haryono
"Thank you so much for your time here. I really appreciate your precious moment here as well. Please leave any comment down below. Let me hear from you. Greetings from Indonesia"