DPR Commission IX Member Supports MBG Efficiency, Here is the Reason

Finance Minister Purbaya Yudhi Sadewa plans to implement efficiencies in the free nutritious meal programme, or MBG. In his statement, Purbaya will reduce the provision of MBG from six days to five days. According to Purbaya, this reduction will impact the 2026 budget efficiency by Rp40 trillion. Responding to the proposal, DPR RI Commission IX member Pulung Agustanto responded positively. According to him, amid serious global economic pressures affecting the state budget, efficiency measures must indeed be sought. “The results of this efficiency can be redirected to other programmes, for example, to mitigate the impact of oil price fluctuations to strengthen public purchasing power,” said Pulung in his statement on Thursday, 26 March 2026. Pulung assesses that President Prabowo Subianto’s ambitious targets for the MBG programme should be appreciated. “However, the objective conditions of our fiscal health must still be considered,” he said. Another aspect that needs attention, according to Pulung, is the quality of MBG food. He stated that there are instances where students receive ultra-processed food that, in the long term, will cause negative health effects. This is where the National Nutrition Agency (BGN) must be stricter in supervising the operations of every kitchen. “What is the point of having kitchens if the food provided to the public consists of biscuits and boxed milk?” he said. In this context, according to Pulung, the public must be involved in supervising MBG operations. “BGN must involve the public in monitoring. Do not intimidate those who report poor food quality,” he stated. A large and massive programme like MBG cannot possibly achieve maximum results without public involvement and oversight. “Accept all input and carry out continuous improvements,” he said.