DPR Claims Free Nutritious Meal Programme Could Save Rp70 Trillion

Deputy Speaker of the Indonesian House of Representatives (DPR), Saan Mustopa, has stated that the budget for the upcoming Free Nutritious Meal (MBG) programme could potentially be reduced by up to Rp70 trillion. The statement was made following an audience with a group of students who were demonstrating in front of the DPR building on Friday, 19 June 2026. “Earlier, Mr Dasco communicated directly with the Head of the National Nutrition Agency (BGN), Ms Nanik, and in the remaining time, there are savings related to the governance of this MBG programme of around Rp70 trillion,” Saan said during a press conference. Saan explained that the budget savings were identified after the BGN scrutinised MBG programmes deemed inefficient. “From the results of the review of MBG programmes that were inefficient and so forth,” he clarified. In addition to the MBG programme, the student representatives also conveyed other aspirations concerning fuel oil (BBM), specifically the price increase of Pertamax. He noted that Dasco immediately contacted the Minister of Energy and Mineral Resources (ESDM), Bahlil Lahadalia, to discuss the aspirations and hopes of the student representatives. “Earlier, Mr Dasco also communicated with the Minister of ESDM, which was heard directly by the student representatives, and the Minister of ESDM promised to meet the need for scarce subsidised BBM, a finding from our student colleagues, within a short time,” he concluded.