DPR Claims Free Nutritious Meal Programme Could Save Rp70 Trillion

The Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives (DPR RI), Saan Mustopa, stated that the budget for the upcoming Free Nutritious Meal (MBG) programme has the potential to be more efficient, saving up to Rp70 trillion.

Saan revealed this following an audience with several students who demonstrated in front of the DPR RI Building on Friday, 19 June 2026.

“Earlier, Mr Dasco communicated directly with the Head of the National Nutrition Agency (BGN), Ms Nanik, and within the remaining time, there is a potential saving related to the governance of this MBG programme of approximately Rp70 trillion,” Saan said during a press conference.

Saan explained that these budget savings were identified after the National Nutrition Agency (BGN) reviewed MBG programmes deemed to be inefficient.

“This is the result of a screening of MBG programmes that were inefficient and so on,” he clarified.

In addition to the MBG programme, student representatives also voiced other aspirations regarding fuel prices, specifically the increase in Pertamax prices.

He noted that Dasco directly contacted the Minister of Energy and Mineral Resources, Bahlil Lahadalia, to discuss the aspirations and hopes of the student representatives.

“Mr Dasco has also communicated with the Minister of Energy and Mineral Resources, listening directly to the students, and the Minister has promised to address the scarcity of subsidised fuel identified by the students in the near future,” he concluded.