PDIP: Based on the APBN Appendix, IDR 223 Trillion of Education Budget Allocated for the Free Nutritious Meal Program
PDI Perjuangan (PDIP) has clarified the conflicting information regarding the funding source for the Free Nutritious Meal (MBG) program. PDIP asserts that the IDR 223.5 trillion budget for the program is taken from the total national education budget.
This clarification comes following statements from several government officials claiming that the MBG budget is the result of efficiency measures and does not take from the education budget. This has raised questions from PDIP’s DPD-DPC leaders and the public regarding the actual facts.
“Our colleagues understand that the education budget of IDR 769 trillion is mandatory spending, representing 20 percent of the APBN and APBD, which must be allocated purely for education,” said Deputy Chairman of Commission X of the DPR RI, PDIP faction, MY Esti Wijayati, at a press conference at the PDIP DPP Party School, Lenteng Agung, Jakarta, Wednesday (25/2/2026).
However, based on official state documents, the funds for the MBG program actually reduce the portion of the education budget.
“In the APBN appendix, which is in the form of a presidential regulation, it is clearly stated that of the IDR 769 trillion education budget, IDR 223.5 trillion is used for the MBG. This is officially in the APBN appendix,” she said.
Member of Commission X of the DPR RI, PDIP faction, Adian Napitupulu, reinforced this statement by referring to the applicable legal basis. He quoted Article 22 of Law Number 17 of 2025 concerning the 2026 State Budget.
In that article, Adian said, it is explicitly explained that the operational funding for the implementation of education includes the Nutritious Meal program for both general and religious educational institutions.
“This explanation is then strengthened by Presidential Regulation Number 118 of 2024 concerning the details of the 2025 APBN, and it is stated there that IDR 223,558,960,490 is allocated for the National Nutrition Agency. So, IDR 223 trillion,” he explained.
Adian said that PDIP’s move to disclose this data to the public is not just criticism, but rather a form of respect for the constitution and transparent state governance.
“We are governed by law. Conveying the truth in accordance with the Law and Presidential Regulation is a form of respect for the DPR and the government as the creators of these regulations. So, let’s clarify: it turns out that it is indeed taken from the education budget,” he added.
Highlighting Teacher Welfare and Educational Facilities
In addition to the issue of funding sources, PDIP also highlighted the issue of fairness in the world of education. Member of Commission X of the PDIP faction, Bonnie Triyana, expressed concern regarding the planned appointment of staff from the nutritional service unit (SPPG) as government employees with employment agreements (PPPK).
“We know that there are so many honorary teachers who have dedicated themselves for decades but have not been appointed as PPPKs. There are even cases in Gowa and Central Java where new teachers are appointed as PPPKs just before retirement,” he said.
He also added that the welfare of educators is still concerning. About 40 percent of lecturers, especially in private universities, receive salaries below IDR 3 million.
PDIP urged the government to optimize the education budget to address crucial sectors, including improving the welfare of teachers and lecturers, and revitalizing damaged school infrastructure, especially in the 3T (underdeveloped, outermost, and frontier) regions.
“So, I think our interest is to try to clarify the developing news that it is not true that the budget is not from the education budget, firstly. Secondly, we also need to listen to the many complaints that have come in regarding the appropriateness of how we honor the teachers,” Esti concluded.