Luhut Advises BGN to Refine Free Nutritious Meals Programme in Stages

Chair of the National Economic Council (DEN) Luhut Binsar Pandjaitan has suggested that the National Nutrition Agency (BGN) refine the Free Nutritious Meals (MBG) programme in stages. Luhut explained to journalists in Jakarta on Wednesday that his team had received a visit from the Deputy Head of BGN and their team to evaluate the implementation of the priority programme to date. According to Luhut, one important lesson from the MBG rollout is the need for a more gradual approach in implementing large-scale policies. With more measured stages, programme obstacles can be more easily identified, allowing adjustments to be prepared before coverage is expanded comprehensively. “We presented survey results and our proposals. It is actually about efficiency, and why everything must be done all at once. It can be done in stages, until we understand it better,” he said. Nevertheless, Luhut believes that after the programme has been running for more than a year, understanding of operational needs and technical challenges is now much better compared to the initial launch period. The DEN is optimistic that the quality of programme implementation will continue to improve over the next six months to a year, in line with growing experience and governance improvements. From an economic perspective, Luhut assessed that the programme has a significant impact because it involves a direct flow of funds to the community. He acknowledged that the relatively rapid implementation in the early stages caused several issues on the ground. However, he stated that various obstacles that arose have been addressed through coordination between the government and relevant stakeholders. Luhut therefore invited all parties to allow room for the ongoing improvement process. As of May 2026, programme realisation reached Rp88.15 trillion, an increase of 17.53 percent from the April 2026 figure of Rp75 trillion. In detail, 48.9 million recipients are students, while 14.3 million are non-students, including pregnant women, breastfeeding mothers, and toddlers. The government has reduced the programme’s budget ceiling in the 2026 State Budget from the original Rp335 trillion to Rp268 trillion. Finance Minister Purbaya Yudhi Sadewa explained that the decision was an instruction from President Prabowo Subianto to ensure the programme’s funds can be managed more efficiently. He also signalled further budget savings for the programme but has not yet detailed future plans.