Budget Efficiency: BGN Adjusts Operational Spending
The government announced a reduction in the Free Nutritious Meals (MBG) program’s budget from Rp335 trillion to Rp268 trillion. However, the National Nutrition Agency (BGN) clarified that the reported Rp67 trillion reduction was a reallocation of contingency funds, as the allocated budget for 2026 was always Rp268 trillion.
BGN Deputy Head of Public Communication and Investigation, Nanik S Deyang, assured full support for the government’s move to enhance budget effectiveness. Therefore, the agency will implement more efficient and targeted spending patterns.
“BGN respects and follows the government’s directives, particularly from the Ministry of Finance, regarding national budget efficiency measures. This adjustment focuses on operational spending to ensure more effective budget usage and maximum impact,” he stated on 26 May 2026.
Nanik explained that BGN continues to coordinate with the Ministry of Finance to ensure the continuity of MBG as one of President Prabowo Subianto’s national strategic programs.
“The synergy between the Ministry of Finance and BGN demonstrates the government’s shared commitment to maintaining MBG’s quality while ensuring transparent, accountable, and sustainable budget management,” he added.
In the 2026 State Budget, BGN’s official allocation is Rp268 trillion, focused on supporting MBG operations through Nutritional Service Units (SPPG) across Indonesia.
As of 24 May 2026, the MBG program has reached approximately 62.4 million beneficiaries via 29,225 SPPG in various regions. The government assures the program will continue optimally despite operational spending adjustments.
According to Nanik, budget efficiency presents an opportunity to strengthen program implementation quality. This ensures MBG better targets those in need.
“Our priority is ensuring optimal service for beneficiaries. Efficiency does not mean reducing government commitment to MBG, but enhancing its effectiveness to broaden and sustain its benefits,” he said.
Previously, BGN Head Dadan Hindayana stated the agency would implement efficiency measures for MBG implementation, including reducing service days to five per week.
“We are still taking cost-saving steps, such as reducing service from six to five days a week,” he told Republika on 20 May 2026.
Additionally, BGN will no longer serve MBG to students on school holidays. On such days, MBG will only be distributed to pregnant women, nursing mothers, and toddlers.
“During school holidays, MBG services will not be provided except for pregnant women, nursing mothers, and toddlers,” Dadan said.
Dadan clarified that these savings were not due to a budget cut for MBG. He stated that BGN’s 2026 budget was always Rp268 trillion.
“The 2026 State Budget for BGN is Rp268 trillion. Rp67 trillion is a contingency fund,” he said when questioned about MBG budget cuts.