Purbaya Says Government Will Resume Efficiency Measures for MBG Budget

JAKARTA, KOMPAS.com - Finance Minister Purbaya Yudhi Sadewa revealed that the government will resume efficiency measures for the Makan Bergizi Gratis (MBG) programme budget.

According to Purbaya, MBG budget realisation up to the end of April 2026 had reached Rp 75 trillion or about 22.4 percent of the total required budget for the programme.

“Some savings in accordance with the President’s directives so that the BGN funds can be used more efficiently. There will be further savings later,” Purbaya said at the APBN KiTa Press Conference at the Ministry of Finance, Central Jakarta on Tuesday (19 May 2026).

He explained that the government had previously carried out MBG budget efficiency in line with the directives of President Prabowo Subianto.

Nevertheless, Purbaya did not detail more precisely the form of additional efficiency that will be carried out by the government for the programme.

He only confirmed that the government wants the MBG programme to continue to operate effectively in providing nutritious meals for students.

Meanwhile, with a budget realisation of Rp 75 trillion up to the end of April 2026, the number of MBG recipients is said to have reached 61.96 million people.

MBG services are currently supported by 27,952 Satuan Pelayanan Pemenuhan Gizi (SPPG).

It can be concluded that Purbaya asks the public not to blame the MBG programme. Because, according to Purbaya, President Prabowo Subianto is currently improving MBG management, especially budget usage.

“So do not blame MBG again, the President (Prabowo) is improving MBG management and how they spend money,” Purbaya said.

Purbaya ensured the government is not closing itself off to input regarding MBG.

Purbaya also ensured Prabowo continues to calculate the best possible steps to optimise MBG.