Purbaya: Free Nutritious Meal budget may be reduced, strategy still under review

Finance Minister Purbaya Yudhi Sadewa has stated that the government is still reviewing the budget strategy for the Free Nutritious Meal (MBG) programme this year, including the possibility of adjusting or reducing the allocation. Speaking after attending a plenary cabinet session at the State Palace in Jakarta on Monday, Purbaya said he could not yet confirm the final figure. He noted that he would first meet with the Head of the National Nutrition Agency, Nanik S. Deyang, who is responsible for implementing the programme. “I want to meet (the Head of the National Nutrition Agency) in the coming weeks to see what her final strategy will be for this year. But clearly, there is a possibility of a reduction,” Purbaya said. Purbaya added that he could not yet explain the extent of the proposed budget cut or the factors the government is considering in making the adjustment. Regarding the possibility that the MBG budget might overlap with education funds, Purbaya admitted he could not provide certainty but assessed that such a scheme should not occur. “I don’t know, I will check again. But it shouldn’t be the case,” he clarified. Discussions on adjusting the MBG budget have emerged alongside an evaluation of the programme’s implementation and the government’s strategy to maintain the effectiveness of state spending. The government has emphasised that a decision on the budget amount will be made after further discussions with the National Nutrition Agency.