BGN Saves Rp 5 Trillion Budget Through Suspension of Free Nutritious Meal Programme During Idul Fitri Holiday
Jakarta — The Head of the National Nutrition Board (BGN), Dadan Hindayana, has claimed that BGN is able to save up to approximately Rp 5 trillion through the temporary suspension of the Free Nutritious Meal (MBG) programme during the Idul Fitri 2026 holiday period.
“Of course we save the budget. That is approximately Rp 5 trillion,” said Dadan when met at the Attorney General’s Office Building in Jakarta on Tuesday (17 March 2026).
He explained that during the Idul Fitri holiday, the distribution of the MBG programme for school students was halted from 13 March 2026. Meanwhile, the distribution for pregnant women, nursing mothers, and toddlers ended on 17 March 2026.
According to Dadan, this measure is part of budgetary efficiency efforts and a response to global economic dynamics that have impacted Indonesia’s fiscal condition. BGN is also conducting a comprehensive recalculation of budgetary usage to ensure optimal allocation.
Currently, BGN has a budget allocation of Rp 268 trillion with a reserve fund (standby) reaching Rp 67 trillion.
“Of course we must make the existing budget effective to prevent misuse, that is the priority. Secondly, we will undertake more effective activities and reduce budgetary usage,” said Dadan.
In addition to efficiency measures, BGN has strengthened oversight of MBG programme budget utilisation. This is necessary given that approximately 93 per cent of BGN’s budget is channelled directly to service units in the regions.
BGN has also opened a public complaints channel through the “Sahabat Gizi 127” (Nutrition Friend 127) service, which operates 24 hours a day to receive reports on programme implementation.
On another note, Dadan revealed that there remain dozens of service units temporarily closed because they do not meet standards. However, he emphasised that this number represents only a small fraction of the total of more than 25,000 nutrition service centres currently operating throughout Indonesia.
BGN hopes that these efficiency measures and strengthened oversight will ensure that budgetary usage is optimal and well-targeted.