Purbaya Ensures Defence Procurement and Free Nutritious Meal Budget Will Not Disrupt State Budget Structure

The Indonesian Minister of Finance, Purbaya Yudhi Sadewa, stated that the budget for all government programmes, ranging from the Free Nutritious Meal (MBG) initiative to the procurement of defence equipment (alutsista), will not disrupt the structure of the State Budget (APBN). He emphasised that all programme budgets have been carefully calculated, adhering to the deficit limit of below three per cent of GDP.

Speaking to journalists at the Halim Perdanakusuma Air Force Base in Jakarta on Monday, 18 May 2026, the former head of the LPS (Indonesia Deposit Insurance Corporation) urged the public not to worry about the sustainability of state financing. He noted that the fiscal formulation has been maturely designed, including defence allocations that were originally budgeted during the administration of President Joko Widodo.

“We have calculated everything well, including for the MBG and other programmes, without disrupting other development programmes. We are managing it properly, including subsidies for various sectors, such as fuel,” said Purbaya. According to him, accurate budget management ensures that all national strategic agendas can run in tandem without sacrificing one funding allocation for another.

Previously, it was reported that President Prabowo Subianto handed over six Rafale fighter jets, four Falcon 8X aircraft, and one Airbus A400M Atlas MRTT at Halim Perdanakusuma Airfield on Monday, 18 May 2026. The weaponry-equipped aircraft were handed over by Prabowo with the aim of strengthening Indonesia’s defence equipment, particularly in national strategic air mobility.

“We have just officially received, according to our customs, the addition of defence equipment for our air force. We received six Rafale fighter jets, Falcon transport aircraft, VIP transport aircraft, and the A400,” said Prabowo. The President emphasised that the delivery of these fighter jets serves as an enhancement to the strength of the Indonesian Air Force. He also touched upon ongoing global conflicts, particularly in the Middle East, stating, “I believe this is one of the milestones in increasing our strength. We must continue to increase our defence capabilities as a deterrent. We have no interests other than protecting our own territory.”