Government Acknowledges Shortcomings in MBG and Kopdes Programmes, Vows Continuous Evaluation

Finance Minister Purbaya Yudhi Sadewa stated that the government continues to evaluate priority programmes such as the Free Nutritious Meals (MBG) and the Merah Putih Village Cooperatives (Kopdes) to ensure their implementation becomes more efficient and well-targeted. He acknowledged that every new programme faces challenges in its early stages of execution.

“The government is not turning a blind eye to the various existing shortcomings. The most important thing is that every weakness is immediately addressed and oversight is strengthened,” Purbaya said in a statement on Friday.

He also confirmed that reforms within the Ministry of Finance are being continuously strengthened, including the eradication of malpractice in the taxation and customs sectors. He stressed that there will be zero tolerance for officials proven to have committed violations.

Purbaya added that every strategic decision made by President Prabowo Subianto has undergone joint discussion mechanisms, considering economic, social, and state fiscal capacity aspects. He further noted that the State Budget (APBN) deficit is maintained below the maximum limit of 3 percent of Gross Domestic Product (GDP).

“Last year, the APBN deficit was around 2.81 percent of GDP, and this year it is estimated to remain below 3 percent. The government’s debt ratio is also still at a safe level of around 40 percent of GDP,” he explained.