{
    "success": true,
    "data": {
        "id": 1582032,
        "msgid": "economist-free-nutritious-meals-programme-must-be-accompanied-by-strengthened-education-quality-for-optimal-1772464110",
        "date": "2026-03-02 21:25:23",
        "title": "Economist: Free nutritious meals programme must be accompanied by strengthened education quality for optimal outcomes",
        "author": "",
        "source": "ANTARA_ID",
        "tags": "",
        "topic": "Social Policy",
        "summary": "An economist from the Institute for Development of Economics and Finance has warned that Indonesia's Free Nutritious Meals (MBG) programme must be paired with strengthened education quality to maximise its benefits. Whilst the education budget is administratively maintained at 20 per cent of state expenditure in the 2026 budget, the introduction of MBG may force reallocation of funds away from quality improvement initiatives including higher education, training, and innovation. The government has countered that the education budget remains protected and strategic education programmes will continue, supported by school renovations and expanded access initiatives.",
        "content": "<p>Jakarta \u2013 The Head of the Macroeconomics and Finance Centre at the\nInstitute for Development of Economics and Finance (INDEF), M Rizal\nTaufikurahman, has stated that the implementation of the Free Nutritious\nMeals (MBG) programme must proceed in parallel with strengthening\neducation quality to deliver optimal benefits.<\/p>\n<p>Speaking to ANTARA in Jakarta on Monday, Rizal said that\nadministratively, the education budget in the 2026 state budget remains\nprotected at 20 per cent of state expenditure, meaning there is no\nnominal reduction.<\/p>\n<p>However, he noted that the introduction of the MBG programme is\nprompting adjustments to education spending categories. Given that\nmandatory spending cannot be reallocated, the spending on quality\nimprovement is at risk of being affected.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cBecause recurring education components are relatively inflexible,\nwhat is likely to be affected is spending on improving human resource\nquality, including higher education, training, and innovation. In other\nwords, whilst the education budget is administratively maintained, its\neffective contribution to developing human resources is reduced,\u201d he\nexplained.<\/p>\n<p>Meanwhile, in the short term, MBG can boost household consumption and\nimprove children\u2019s nutrition. This effect could be double-edged for the\nlocal economy, particularly in the food and distribution sectors.<\/p>\n<p>Thus, the risk of stagnation in worker productivity and limited room\nfor national economic growth can be avoided.<\/p>\n<p>Previously, the Government confirmed that the 2026 education budget\nhas been agreed upon by the government together with Parliament and\nParliament\u2019s Budget Commission and has not been reduced due to the MBG\nprogramme.<\/p>\n<p>Cabinet Secretary Teddy Indra Wijaya assured that all strategic\neducation programmes such as the Indonesia Smart Card and the Smart\nIndonesia Programme will continue, complemented by strengthened access\nthrough People\u2019s Schools and renovation of approximately 16,000 schools\nin 2025 with a budget of 17 trillion rupiah.<\/p>",
        "url": "https:\/\/jawawa.id\/newsitem\/economist-free-nutritious-meals-programme-must-be-accompanied-by-strengthened-education-quality-for-optimal-1772464110",
        "image": ""
    },
    "sponsor": "Okusi Associates",
    "sponsor_url": "https:\/\/okusiassociates.com"
}