National Nutrition Agency: Budget Efficiency Measures Will Not Disrupt MBG Programme

The National Nutrition Agency (BGN) has assured that government budget efficiency measures will not reduce the implementation of the Free Nutritious Meals (MBG) programme in 2026. The agency stated that efficiency efforts are aimed at enhancing the effectiveness of budget usage for President Prabowo Subianto’s flagship programme.

Nanik Sudaryati Deyang, Deputy Head of BGN for Public Communication and Investigation, said budget adjustments are focused on operational expenditures to ensure more targeted use of state funds. “BGN respects and follows government directives, particularly from the Ministry of Finance, regarding national budget efficiency measures,” she stated in a written release on Tuesday, 26 May 2026.

She added that coordination between BGN and the Indonesian Ministry of Finance is proceeding well to sustain the MBG programme, with the government committed to its transparent and sustainable implementation.

In the 2026 State Revenue and Expenditure Budget (APBN), BGN’s budget allocation is set at Rp 268 trillion, focused on supporting MBG operations via Nutrition Service Units (SPPG) across regions.

As of 24 May 2026, the MBG programme has reportedly reached approximately 62.4 million beneficiaries through 29,225 SPPG units nationwide.

However, the government has not specified which operational expenditure items will be cut under the efficiency policy, and BGN has yet to detail oversight mechanisms to ensure budget reductions do not affect food distribution and service quality on the ground.

Nanik stated the government’s core principle is maintaining optimal service for beneficiaries. “Efficiency does not mean reducing the government’s commitment to the MBG programme, but strengthening its implementation effectiveness to ensure broader and more sustainable benefits,” she said.