Finance Minister Purbaya Says Free Nutritious Meal Budget May Be Reduced

Finance Minister Purbaya Yudhi Sadewa has stated that the government is still reviewing the budget strategy for the Free Nutritious Meal (MBG) programme this year, including the possibility of adjustments or a reduction in budget allocation. Following a plenary cabinet session at the State Palace in Jakarta on Monday, Purbaya said he could not yet confirm the final figure. He noted he would first meet with the Head of the National Nutrition Agency (BGN), Nanik S. Deyang, who is implementing the programme. “I want to meet (the Head of BGN) in the coming weeks to see what her final strategy will be for this year. But clearly, there is a possibility of a reduction,” Purbaya said. Purbaya stated he could not yet explain the extent of the budget reduction or the factors the government is considering in making the adjustment. Regarding the possibility that the MBG budget might overlap with education funds, Purbaya admitted he could not provide certainty. However, he assessed that such a scheme should not occur. “I don’t know, I will check again. But it shouldn’t be the case,” he explained. Previously, discussions emerged about adjusting the MBG budget in line with the evaluation of the programme’s implementation and the government’s strategy to maintain the effectiveness of state spending. The government emphasised that the decision on the budget amount will be made after further discussions with the National Nutrition Agency.