Budget Efficiency at BGN Continues, Purbaya Reveals Significant Savings

Minister of Finance Purbaya Yudhi Sadewa has revealed that the National Nutrition Agency (BGN) is preparing further budget efficiency measures to support the sustainability of its programmes, including the Free Nutritious Meals Programme. The statement was made after Purbaya received a report from the Head of BGN, Nanik S Deyang, during a meeting at the Ministry of Finance on Thursday (25/6). Although he did not disclose the exact amount to be saved, Purbaya indicated that the planned efficiency is quite substantial. “Yesterday I met the head of BGN. She came here to report that there will be further savings from the BGN programme. I think it is quite significant, but let the head of BGN announce it,” Purbaya said during a media briefing at his office in Jakarta on Friday (26/6). Purbaya stressed that the planned budget savings would not affect the quality or portions of the food in the Free Nutritious Meals Programme. He affirmed the government’s commitment to maintaining nutritional standards for beneficiaries. “No, it will not change. It is ensured that the meals remain nutritious. I am not a nutrition expert, but the human resources will be improved. If I am not mistaken, they will hire more nutritionists,” he explained. In addition to discussing efficiency, the Head of BGN also reported on several challenges in implementing the programme, particularly regarding operational supervision in various regions. As a follow-up, the Ministry of Finance is ready to strengthen oversight by involving its regional employees to help monitor the Nutritional Fulfilment Service Units. “I said, in that case, let the Ministry of Finance handle the regions. My people in the regions will monitor the service units regularly. So I have the tools and I can control the budget. They agreed,” he stated. Although the details of the efficiency amount have not been officially announced, Purbaya expressed his support for the budget savings as long as the Free Nutritious Meals Programme continues to run according to its targets. “I agree with the efficiency, especially if it is cut even more. Yes, but let the programme run,” Purbaya said. Previously, the government had adjusted the budget ceiling for the Free Nutritious Meals Programme in the 2026 State Budget. The initial allocation of Rp335 trillion was cut to Rp268 trillion, and the government is still open to the possibility of further budget efficiencies.