Constitutional Court Ruling Strengthens Free Nutritious Meals Programme, Says BGN Chief
Jakarta (ANTARA) - Head of the National Nutrition Agency (BGN) Sudaryono said Constitutional Court (MK) ruling Number 40/PUU-XXIV/2026, one point of which states that the Free Nutritious Meal Programme (MBG) is not a core component of education, actually strengthens the national priority programme.
Based on the legal review conducted by BGN, the Constitutional Court ruling does not annul or halt the implementation of the MBG Programme, but rather provides direction on budgeting mechanism adjustments that the government will implement gradually.
Sudaryono, familiarly known as Mas Dar, in his official statement in Jakarta on Monday stressed that, as an operational agency, BGN will implement all government policies in accordance with prevailing laws and regulations.
“We are an operational agency, so of course we will implement whatever policy comes from the government. What needs to be underlined is that the Constitutional Court ruling actually affirms that MBG is a constitutional programme,” he said.
Mas Dar explained that the substance of the ruling does not alter the legality or existence of the MBG Programme, but only imposes limits on the budgeting mechanism, particularly regarding the calculation of the MBG Programme budget within the mandatory spending component for education. As such, the programme’s implementation continues, and the government has been given a transition period of up to two years to adjust its budget policy.
BGN’s legal review concluded that Constitutional Court ruling Number 40/PUU-XXIV/2026 is conditionally constitutional, meaning that what requires adjustment is the norm concerning the MBG Programme’s budgeting, not the programme’s existence or legal basis itself. The ruling is also final and binding, thereby serving as a guide for the government in formulating policies and budget designs for the MBG Programme going forward.
Furthermore, starting from the 2028 fiscal year state budget, MBG Programme funds that are not part of the core education component will no longer be counted as part of the operational budget for education provision. Nevertheless, this change does not diminish the sustainability of the MBG Programme as one of the government’s strategic programmes.
Mas Dar believes the Constitutional Court ruling actually provides legal certainty for the continuation of the MBG Programme while clarifying its budget governance.
“If we examine it more deeply, this Constitutional Court decision affirms that the MBG Programme is a constitutional programme. What deserves attention is the placement of its budget, and that will certainly be addressed by the government in accordance with the applicable mechanisms,” said Mas Dar.
From an institutional perspective, the ruling also does not change the position, authority, duties, or functions of BGN as the organiser of the MBG Programme. BGN continues to carry out its mandate to ensure the programme is implemented effectively and accountably, delivering optimal benefits to the public.
BGN affirmed that it will continue to support the entire policy adjustment process and ensure the MBG Programme continues to run optimally and excellently as part of the government’s efforts to improve public nutrition quality.