Free Nutritious Meals Programme Budget Realisation Reaches Rp 44 Trillion by Early March

According to the Ministry of Finance, the Free Nutritious Meals (MBG) programme has reached 61.62 million beneficiaries by 9 March 2026, with budget realisation reaching Rp 44 trillion.

“As of 9 March 2026, 6.6 million beneficiaries are being served through more than 25,000 Nutrition Service Units (SPPG),” said Deputy Minister of Finance Suahasil Nazara during a press conference on the 2026 State Budget in his office on Wednesday, 11 March 2026.

Suahasil revealed that the number of beneficiaries is served by more than 25,000 Nutrition Service Units (SPPG) distributed across various regions in Indonesia. The programme has reached several areas, including Sumatra, Java, and Kalimantan.

From a budget perspective, the Ministry of Finance noted an increase in spending realisation to support the MBG programme implementation over the past few weeks. According to Suahasil, budget absorption for the programme at the end of February 2026 was recorded at approximately Rp 39 trillion, then increased to Rp 44 trillion by 9 March 2026.

He stated that the majority of programme beneficiaries are students, approximately 50 million people recorded by the end of February. Additionally, there are approximately 10.5 million non-student beneficiaries comprising pregnant women, nursing mothers, and certain elderly groups.

The government, Suahasil said, will continue implementing the MBG programme whilst maintaining good governance and ensuring budget utilisation is carried out efficiently.