How Much Will the Free Nutritious Meals Budget Be Cut? Here's the Deputy BGN Chief's Answer

The Deputy Head of the National Nutrition Agency (BGN), Agustina Arumsari, has confirmed plans for budget efficiency or refocusing within the Free Nutritious Meal (MBG) programme. However, she declined to reveal the specific amount that will be cut.

“Yes, it is true, we are currently conducting budget efficiency or refocusing. The exact figure will follow,” said Arumsari, as quoted from Detik.com on Sunday (28/6/2026).

When asked which budget items would be subject to efficiency and what steps the BGN would take, Agustina chose not to provide further explanation. She ensured that the details of the policy would be communicated once the finalisation process is complete.

“Well, that will come later. We will hold a press conference with the details once they are ready,” she said.

As is known, the BGN’s savings efforts were previously leaked by the Minister of Finance, Purbaya Yudhi Sadewa. He admitted to having held a meeting with the Head of the BGN, Nanik S. Deyang, at the Ministry of Finance in Central Jakarta on Thursday (25/6), where budget efficiency efforts were among the topics discussed.

Purbaya stated that the BGN would undergo further significant budget efficiency. However, when asked about the total amount of savings, he requested all parties to wait for an official announcement from the BGN.

“Yesterday I met the Head of the BGN. She reported that there will be further savings from the BGN programme. I believe it will be quite significant, but let the Head of the BGN announce it,” said Purbaya during a press conference at his office in Central Jakarta, as reported by detikFinance on Friday (26/6).

When asked whether the savings would reach Rp 40 trillion, as previously circulated in news reports, Purbaya declined to disclose the amount.

“Perhaps (around Rp 40 trillion). Just ask her (BGN); she understands better than I do. The cuts will be significant, but I was not the one who proposed it; it was the Head of the BGN herself,” said Purbaya.