After Previous 'Misstep', Purbaya Admits Ties with BGN Are Now 'Closer'
Jakarta, CNBC Indonesia - Finance Minister Purbaya Yudhi Sadewa stated that cooperation with the National Nutrition Agency (BGN) has become increasingly close following a change in leadership.
“The cooperation with BGN is getting much better. Previously, I was involved in some friction. Now, that is no longer the case,” said Purbaya during a media briefing at the Juanda Building, Jakarta, on Friday (26/06/2026).
One aspect of this collaboration involves the Ministry of Finance intervening to assist the BGN in supervising the Free Nutritious Meal (MBG) programme in regional areas. This move is intended to ensure that the priority MBG programme operates more effectively.
“It turns out they (BGN) sometimes find it difficult to conduct supervision in the regions. I said, if that is the case, let the Ministry of Finance, which has a presence in the regions, handle it. My personnel in the regions will monitor the MBG kitchens periodically,” he said.
Purbaya also mentioned that the Ministry of Finance may eventually have the authority to recommend the closure of MBG kitchens if they are found to be operating improperly. The Finance Minister noted that this proposal has been approved by the National Nutrition Agency (BGN).
“They agreed, saying, ‘If it is not done correctly, you may close it, Sir; let us discuss it.’ Thus, the cooperation with BGN has improved,” said Purbaya.
Furthermore, Purbaya stated that the Ministry will assist by providing human resources with expertise in finance and fiscal management to ensure the MBG programme runs much more smoothly.
“We will also assist with human resources if financial experts from the Ministry of Finance are needed. Moving forward, the MBG programme should be much better,” he added.
Previously, Purbaya admitted to being ‘misled’ regarding the purchase of electric motorcycles by the National Nutrition Agency (BGN). He disclosed this during a working meeting with the Regional Representative Council (DPD) of the Republic of Indonesia on Monday (22/06/2026).
He recounted criticising the purchase due to its massive budget of Rp 1 trillion, admitting he was unaware of the budget allocation at the time. Purbaya felt he had rejected the electric motorcycle programme, only to discover the purchase had been made in March 2026. He noted that the parties responsible for inserting the budget were quite sophisticated, necessitating his intervention to rectify the issue.
“At that time, it had been decided and rejected by Mr. Prima (Director General of Treasury). I did not know, but suddenly in March, a purchase appeared. Therefore, we took action against the parties involved within the Ministry of Finance regarding that matter,” he said.
“They are quite sophisticated; we were the ones who were less sophisticated, but we are constantly fixing it,” he added.