TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - Indonesia's Finance Minister Purbaya Yudhi Sadewa has assured that the government's Free Nutritious Meals (MBG) program will not reduce the value of meals provided to beneficiaries, despite a cut in the National Nutrition Agency's (BGN) budget.
"The meals will remain nutritious," Purbaya said during a press conference at the Finance Ministry in Jakarta on Friday, June 26.
"I'm not a nutrition expert, but what is clear is that the human resources will be strengthened. If I'm not mistaken, they will recruit more nutrition experts."
The National Nutrition Agency's budget for 2026 was initially set at Rp335 trillion but has been reduced to Rp268 trillion as part of the government's broader spending efficiency measures.
The cost of each meal under the MBG program remains at around Rp8,000 to Rp10,000.
Purbaya said he had reviewed the agency's proposed efficiency plan and supported the budget reduction, provided the program continues to expand its reach.
"I would prefer no budget cuts at all, but stopping the program is not the right approach because it is a good program. What needs improvement is its implementation," he said.
According to Purbaya, President Prabowo Subianto is committed to improving the management of the flagship nutrition program.
He said that commitment is reflected in the government's willingness to take action against alleged corruption within the agency.
Earlier, BGN Deputy Head Agustina Arumsari said the agency's indicative budget allocation for 2027 stands at Rp270.2 trillion, although the figure remains subject to further discussions and could still be revised.
"We will continue our discussions. Based on the beneficiary targets set in the National Medium-Term Development Plan (RPJMN), we are calculating the required budget," Agustina said after a meeting with the House of Representatives' Commission IX in Jakarta on June 15.
She added that the agency will continue refining the implementation of the Free Nutritious Meals program by prioritizing beneficiaries with the greatest nutritional needs.
The agency is also coordinating with the Health Ministry to improve nutritional support for infants and children while ensuring adequate nutrition throughout later stages of life.
Read: UI Students Install Banners Criticizing MBG Program on Jakarta-Depok Border
Click here to get the latest news updates from Tempo on Google News
6 Indonesian Ministries, Agencies Seeking Larger 2027 Budgets
8 hari lalu
The request was made after the indicative budget allocation for each institution for the 2027 fiscal year was determined.
PPATK Proposes Budget Boost to Combat Money Laundering and Online Gambling
9 hari lalu
Head of PPATK Ivan Yustiavandana stated that the 2027 budget is proposed to increase by Rp516.4 billion.
Indonesian Police Seek Rp66.1 Trillion in Additional Funding for 2027
9 hari lalu
The Police's budget of Rp118 trillion is still inadequate to fulfill their needs.
MBG Program May Need a Smaller Budget Than Estimated, Govt Says
15 hari lalu
Prasetyo Hadi said the MBG program may need less funding than initially estimated, but this does not mean a budget cut.
Indonesia's Defense Ministry Requests Extra Rp195tn Budget for 2027
16 hari lalu
The Ministry of Defense has proposed a Rp667 trillion budget for 2027, compared with an indicative allocation of just Rp139 trillion.
BGN to Cap MBG Kitchens at Six per District
21 hari lalu
The development and application of free nutritious meal (MBG) kitchens are more concentrated in the agglomeration areas.
What Purbaya Said About Rumors of His Resignation as Finance Minister
21 hari lalu
Purbaya Yudhi Sadewa denies rumors about his resignation as Finance Minister.
Prabowo to Cover Excess Costs of Foreign Visits, Cabinet Secretary Says
24 hari lalu
Cabinet Secretary Teddy Indra Wijaya says the presidential entourage on foreign visits has decreased during Prabowo's term.
Indonesia Seeks Rp12 Trillion in Sukuk Auction Next Week
26 hari lalu
There are eight sukuk series to be auctioned, including SPNS13072026 (reopening), SPNS23112026 (reopening), and SPNS01032027 (new issuance).
Prabowo Targets Rupiah at 16,800-17,500 per US Dollar by 2027
37 hari lalu
The target exchange rate was set when the rupiah reached a historic low of Rp17,706 per US dollar.
:strip_icc():format(jpeg)/kly-media-production/medias/5414491/original/012054700_1763287155-530668458_18471777553074306_380593477510268437_n__1_.jpg)
:strip_icc():format(jpeg):watermark(kly-media-production/assets/images/watermarks/bola/watermark-color-landscape-new.png,1125,20,0)/kly-media-production/medias/5495647/original/074499000_1770385031-barba.jpeg)
:strip_icc():format(jpeg):watermark(kly-media-production/assets/images/watermarks/bola/watermark-color-landscape-new.png,1125,20,0)/kly-media-production/medias/5469567/original/092858600_1768130667-4.jpg)
