DPR Meeting: PDIP's Deddy Discusses How MBG Budget Could Aid Disaster-Affected Regions

Member of Commission II of the Indonesian House of Representatives (DPR RI) and PDIP Central Executive Board Chairman Deddy Sitorus voiced concern regarding the disaster-affected regions in northern Sumatra that have not fully recovered. Deddy then proposed redirecting a substantial portion of the budget from the Free Nutritious Meals (MBG) programme to assist in disaster recovery amid uncertain economic conditions.

This was conveyed by Deddy during a working meeting with Interior Minister Tito Karnavian up to the Head of the IKN Authority Basuki Hadimuljono on Monday (30/3/2026). He presented several videos showing the conditions in three provinces affected by disasters that have not fully recovered.

“We hope that from Commission II, it can be conveyed through us to our brothers and sisters in West Sumatra, North Sumatra, and Aceh that there are stages that will be passed to get there,” Deddy said during the meeting.

“This must be there; it can’t just be about budget availability. I’m confused if we start from the availability of a budget of tens of trillions; we need hundreds of trillions for infrastructure and housing,” he added.

Deddy also proposed using the MBG budget for one week to help disaster-affected regions. According to him, the large MBG budget could also help with the uncertain economic situation stemming from the conflict in the Middle East.

“Personally, I hope that if we work from home, for schoolchildren, the MBG budget is given for just one week for the development of disaster-affected areas; it would already be very helpful,” Deddy stated.

He said the MBG funds could assist in several sectors. Nevertheless, Deddy assessed that the National Nutrition Agency (BGN) might not want to do so.

“At the same time, it would help the country which now has an extraordinary potential shortage of fuel. But maybe those handling MBG don’t want to give it,” he said.

Deddy Sitorus hopes this proposal can be conveyed by the Interior Minister to President Prabowo Subianto. He said the Interior Minister has the opportunity to present it in a limited meeting.

“But if we don’t all show empathy towards the suffering of our brothers and sisters in those three provinces, then who will?” Deddy remarked.

“I hope this is brought to the limited cabinet meeting, conveyed openly to the President; we hope from you, it’s impossible to hope from BNPB or especially the Public Works Minister, because everything starts from limitations, not from needs. Please, let’s start from there because this is a humanitarian matter,” he added.

In a separate interview after the meeting, Interior Minister Tito responded to Deddy Sitorus’s proposal. Tito said what Deddy conveyed is an aspiration that he might present in the limited meeting.

“Oh, it could be, it could be; it’s a proposal, after all, it’s also an aspiration. Yes, the aspiration I might convey in the meeting about this disaster, okay,” Tito said.