Jakarta, ThedailyID — Finance Minister Purbaya Yudhi Sadewa has opened the possibility of cutting the government’s 2026 budget for the Free Nutritious Meals (MBG) program to below Rp200 trillion.
Purbaya said the government initially allocated Rp330 trillion for MBG this year. The figure later fell to around Rp260 trillion and then to Rp240 trillion after several rounds of efficiency measures.
Now, Purbaya sees room for another reduction after discussing the program with newly appointed National Nutrition Agency (BGN) Head Sudaryono.
“I spoke with the new BGN head, and it seems we can make it more efficient, below Rp200 trillion,” Purbaya said at the 100 Indonesian Economists Forum in Central Jakarta, Thursday (03/09/2026).
Purbaya also said the government could reduce next year’s planned MBG budget of Rp240 trillion. He pointed to technology as one way BGN could improve efficiency.
The Finance Ministry has also assigned regional representatives to monitor MBG spending directly. They will take turns overseeing each Nutrition Fulfillment Service Unit (SPPG) in their respective areas.
“Our employees in the regions will take turns supervising each SPPG. I hope we can continue improving the program’s performance going forward,” Purbaya said at the same event.
For the 2027 MBG budget, the government has planned Rp240 trillion. Around 97 percent would fund meals, while the remaining 3 percent would cover BGN’s operational costs.
Those operational expenses include supervision, monitoring and employee salaries, including SPPG heads.
