Cabinet Secretary: Free Nutritious Meal Programme Does Not Reduce Education Budget
Jakarta — Cabinet Secretary Teddy Indra Wijaya has clarified several misleading narratives claiming that the Free Nutritious Meal (MBG) programme is reducing education budgets, causing schools to be neglected, and disregarding teacher welfare.
Speaking at the Presidential Palace complex in Jakarta on Friday, Teddy stated that the 2026 education budget has been agreed upon jointly by the government, parliament, and the parliamentary budget committee, including its allocation and purpose.
“In fact, all strategic education programmes from the previous period continue to run without any being halted; they have even been increased,” he said.
He noted that education programmes continue to be strengthened, including the Indonesia Smart Card and the Indonesia Smart Programme (PIP) remaining operational.
Under President Prabowo Subianto’s leadership, Teddy said, access to education has been expanded through the People’s School for out-of-school children, equipped with accommodation, education, nutritious meals, and health insurance. By last year, nearly 16,000 to 20,000 students were enrolled across 166 schools, with a target of 100 additional schools this year. Additionally, education infrastructure is being addressed concretely.
“Although schools are under local government jurisdiction, the central government has renovated approximately 16,000 schools in 2025 with a budget of Rp17 trillion,” he said.
In addition, the government is accelerating learning digitalisation through the distribution of 280,000 digital televisions, which will continue to be expanded, Teddy added.
Regarding teacher welfare, Teddy stated that the central government has raised incentives to Rp400,000 after 20 years (2005-2025).
“Although the salaries of non-permanent teachers are under local government authority,” he said.
Teddy reported that non-civil servant teacher allowances have increased from Rp1.5 million to Rp2 million in 2025.
“The allowance is now transferred directly to teachers monthly, having previously been transferred quarterly and through local governments,” he said.