Cabinet Secretary Teddy Affirms Free Nutritious Meals Programme Does Not Reduce Education Budget and Programmes

Jakarta — Cabinet Secretary (Seskab) Teddy Indra Wijaya has affirmed that the Free Nutritious Meals Programme (MBG) does not reduce education programmes and budgets.

“Yesterday, a few parties claimed that the Free Nutritious Meals Programme reduces education programmes and budgets, leaving schools neglected and teachers unsupported. I want to respond that this is a misguided narrative,” Teddy stated at the Presidential Complex in Jakarta on Friday (27 February 2026).

Teddy emphasised that the MBG programme aims to enhance human resource quality. Additionally, MBG serves as a foundational initiative for improving education in the future.

Teddy disclosed that education accounts for 20 per cent of the national budget, valued at Rp 769.1 trillion this year. The education budget encompasses multiple allocations agreed upon jointly by the government and the Indonesian Parliament (DPR RI), including its contents and purposes.

“These allocations have been jointly agreed upon last year by the Government, the DPR, and the DPR’s Budget Commission, whose chairman is from the Indonesian Democratic Party of Struggle,” he stated.

The government has actually expanded several education programmes, including the Rural Schools initiative. “The Indonesia Smart Card programme is running. The Indonesia Smart Programme is running. President Prabowo has even added the Rural Schools programme,” Teddy noted.

According to him, 166 Rural Schools were established in 2025. This year, approximately 100 additional schools will be constructed. “For what purpose? Children who cannot attend school, have dropped out, or have never attended school will be enrolled in rural schools. They receive accommodation, education, nutritious meals, and healthcare assurance,” he explained.

Teddy also addressed the issue of dilapidated schools.