BGN Supports Finance Minister Purbaya's MBG Budget Cut, Promises Optimal Service

JAKARTA, KOMPAS.com - Vice Head of the National Nutrition Agency (BGN) Nanik S Deyang stated that the agency fully supports the government’s efforts to strengthen the effectiveness of national budget usage through more efficient and targeted spending patterns. Finance Minister Purbaya Yudhi Sadewa recently cut the budget for the Free Nutritious Meals (MBG) programme. ‘BGN respects and follows the government’s directives, particularly from the Ministry of Finance led by Finance Minister Purbaya Yudhi Sadewa, regarding national budget efficiency measures. This adjustment focuses on operational expenditure to ensure more effective budget use and maximum impact,’ Nanik said in a statement on Tuesday (26/5/2026). Nanik noted that coordination between the Ministry of Finance and BGN is strong in ensuring the sustainability of the MBG programme, a national strategic initiative under President Prabowo Subianto. Nanik revealed that the official 2026 national budget (APBN) for BGN is set at Rp268 trillion. The funds are allocated to support MBG operations through the Nutritional Service Units (SPPG) across Indonesia. Nanik stated that as of 24 May 2026, the MBG programme has reached approximately 62.4 million beneficiaries via 29,225 SPPG units nationwide. According to Nanik, budget efficiency presents an opportunity to enhance programme implementation quality to better serve those in need. ‘Our core principle is ensuring optimal service for beneficiaries. Efficiency does not mean reducing the government’s commitment to MBG, but strengthening its effectiveness to deliver wider and more sustainable benefits,’ Nanik added. Previously, the government reduced the MBG budget for 2026 from Rp335 trillion to Rp268 trillion. Finance Minister Purbaya Yudhi Sadewa said the efficiency measures follow President Prabowo Subianto’s directive to optimise MBG funds without compromising the effectiveness of on-the-ground implementation. ‘Specific savings in line with the President’s directives allow BGN funds to be used more efficiently. Further savings will follow,’ Purbaya stated at the May 2026 APBN KiTa press conference in Jakarta on Tuesday (19/5/2026). He added that the government is still finalising the best cost-cutting scheme without disrupting MBG’s primary goal of ensuring schoolchildren access nutritious meals. ‘The President is assessing the best way to save without affecting the programme’s effectiveness in feeding schoolchildren. That is the priority,’ Purbaya said.