Government Decides MBG to 5 Days per Week for Efficiency, Saving State Rp 20 Trillion
The government is implementing several measures to achieve efficiency amid the intensifying Middle East conflict. The Free Nutritious Meals (MBG) programme is affected by the reduction to five days per week.
“The government is pushing for the optimisation of the MBG programme, directing it towards the provision of fresh meals for five days a week,” said Coordinating Minister for the Economy, Airlangga Hartarto, during an online press conference on Tuesday (31/3/2026).
Nevertheless, Airlangga stated that the distribution of MBG must consider several exceptions, from 3T areas (Lagging, Frontier, Outermost) to regions with high stunting rates. Airlangga noted that this policy saves the state budget up to Rp 20 trillion.
“Still considering exceptions such as for dormitories, 3T areas, and areas with high stunting levels. The potential savings from this activity reach Rp 20 trillion,” he said.
Airlangga added that the various efficiency measures undertaken by the government are part of structural transformation towards an efficient economy. He also called on all society to support it.
“The government invites all society and the business world to remain productive and actively participate in and support this efficiency and work culture,” he added.
Head of the National Nutrition Agency (BGN) Dadan Hindayana previously responded to the plan for efficiency in the Free Nutritious Meals (MBG) programme by reducing the distribution frequency from six times a week to five times a week. Dadan said that MBG distribution would be adjusted to students’ attendance at school.
“Specifically for school children, MBG will be distributed if they are present at school. If school is five days, they will receive MBG for five days, while if there is a school that operates six days, MBG will be given for six days. Based on the data available, the majority of school durations are five days,” said Dadan when responding to the efficiency proposal for the MBG Programme as reported by Antara on Friday (27/3).
One-Day Weekly WFH Policy
As is known, the government has set a work-from-home (WFH) policy for one day per week. That one day of WFH will apply every Friday.
“The implementation of work from home for civil servants (ASN) in central and regional agencies, carried out for one working day per week, namely every Friday,” said Coordinating Minister for the Economy Airlangga Hartarto during a virtual press conference on Tuesday (31/3).
Airlangga said that this one-day-per-week WFH policy only applies to civil servants (ASN). This policy is also to encourage digital-based service governance. This policy will take effect starting 1 April.