State Secretary Prasetyo Hadi has confirmed the possibility of a\nreduction in the budget for the Free Nutritious Meal (MBG) programme.\nThis aligns with the government\u2019s ongoing efforts to improve governance\nand efficiency.<\/p>\n
\u201cIf the question concerns the MBG budget, the Finance Minister\n(Purbaya Yudhi Sadewa) has also stated that after the management\nimprovement process at the National Nutrition Agency (BGN) and after\ndata validation, there is a possibility that the MBG budget requirement\nwill decrease,\u201d Prasetyo said at the Presidential Palace complex in\nJakarta on Tuesday (21\/7\/2026).<\/p>\n
Previously, Purbaya also confirmed cuts to the programme\u2019s budget,\nwhich was valued at Rp268 trillion. However, Purbaya intends to meet\nwith the leadership of the BGN first. \u201cI want to meet the Head of MBG\nthis week to see what his final strategy will be for this year. But\nclearly, there is a possibility of a reduction,\u201d Purbaya stated at the\nState Palace in Jakarta, as quoted on Tuesday (21\/7\/2026).<\/p>\n
Deputy Head of the National Nutrition Agency Agustina Arumsari was\nnot yet able to disclose the specific figure for the budget reduction.\nHowever, she confirmed the budget would be far lower than the initial\namount. \u201cI cannot mention the figure yet, but it is clear it is not\nRp268 trillion; it has been significantly reduced. But because the\nprocess is still ongoing, I cannot mention the number yet,\u201d Agustina\nsaid at the Presidential Palace complex in Jakarta on Monday\n(20\/7\/2026).<\/p>\n
Agustina explained that the budget reduction is in line with ongoing\ngovernance improvements, including seeking fairer schemes and\nrefocusing. President Prabowo Subianto has given one month to find\nsolutions to improve the governance of the MBG programme to make it more\nefficient.<\/p>\n
Regarding plans to reduce the defence budget, Prasetyo said it is\ncurrently only a consideration, if needed. \u201cYes, it is a possibility.\nPossibility means if the situation requires it, it might be done,\u201d\nPrasetyo said. He added that the country\u2019s fundamental economic and\nfiscal conditions remain quite strong. The current year\u2019s budget deficit\nissue will also be managed by reducing unproductive spending.<\/p>", "url": "https:\/\/jawawa.id\/newsitem\/state-secretary-confirms-possible-reduction-in-free-nutritious-meal-programme-budget-1784634738", "image": "" }, "sponsor": "Okusi Associates", "sponsor_url": "https:\/\/okusiassociates.com" }