MBG Spending Reaches Rp 55.34 Trillion by March 2026, Purbaya Assures Greater Prudence and Efficiency

Jakarta, VIVA – Finance Minister Purbaya Yudhi Sadewa reported that the budget realisation for the Free Nutritious Meals (MBG) programme up to 31 March 2026 amounted to Rp 55.34 trillion.

He explained that this realisation equates to 16.5% of the 2026 State Revenue and Expenditure Budget (APBN) allocation for the MBG programme, which totals Rp 335 trillion.

Consequently, Purbaya assured that spending to support the Free Nutritious Meals (MBG) programme will continue to be carried out more prudently and efficiently.

“This is a programme that continues to run. We ensure that the spending is more efficient,” Purbaya stated during the APBN KiTa press conference for the April 2026 edition at the Ministry of Finance, Jakarta, on Tuesday, 5 May 2026.

He added that more efficient spending in the MBG programme involves closely examining the precise spending needs.

“The aim is none other than to ensure that this one of the government’s strategic programmes runs well and provides broader benefits to the public,” he said.

For information, the Central Statistics Agency (BPS) recorded that the MBG programme has contributed to Indonesia’s economic growth, which reached 5.61% year-on-year (yoy) in the first quarter of 2026.

Based on the report, the MBG contribution is reflected, among others, in the gross fixed capital formation (PMTB) component, along with the construction of supporting infrastructure for Nutrition Fulfilment Service Units (SPPG).

According to BPS, the addition of SPPG units also has a positive impact on PMTB due to physical construction activities. In addition, investments in SPPG are recorded as part of capital expenditure, both for building kitchens and providing supporting equipment.

Overall, BPS recorded PMTB as the second largest contributor to economic growth after household consumption, with a contribution of 1.79%.

This component also grew by 5.96%, driven by government investment, including the construction of national priority programmes, as well as private investment. The PMTB contribution to gross domestic product (GDP) reached 28.29%.