Purbaya Says National Nutrition Agency to Implement Further Budget Efficiency

Minister of Finance Purbaya Yudhi Sadewa has disclosed that the National Nutrition Agency (BGN) is preparing further budget efficiency measures for its programmes. The plan was conveyed directly by BGN Head Nanik S Deyang during a meeting with Purbaya at the Ministry of Finance office on Thursday (25/6/2026). Although he has not yet revealed the amount to be saved, Purbaya indicated the figure is quite significant. “Yesterday I met the Head of BGN. She came here to report that there will be further savings from the BGN programme. I think it is quite significant, but let the Head of BGN announce it later,” Purbaya said during a media briefing at his office in Jakarta, Friday (26/6/2026). Purbaya assured that the budget efficiency would not affect the portion of the Free Nutritious Meal (MBG) programme. “No (change), it remains the same. In fact, it is ensured that the meals remain nutritious. I am not a nutrition expert, but what is clear is that the human resources are being improved. If I am not mistaken, they will hire more nutritionists there,” he explained. During the meeting, Purbaya also received a report on several obstacles faced by BGN in implementing the MBG programme, particularly regarding supervision in the regions. To address this issue, the Ministry of Finance is ready to deploy its regional staff to assist in monitoring the operations of the Nutrition Fulfilment Service Units (SPPG). “I said, in that case, let the Ministry of Finance handle the regions. My people in the regions will monitor the SPPG periodically. So I have the tools and I can control the budget. They agreed,” he stated. Although he did not detail the amount of efficiency BGN will undertake, Purbaya expressed his support for the budget savings to ensure the MBG programme continues to run. “I agree (with the efficiency), especially if more can be cut. Yes, but the programme must continue,” Purbaya said. Previously, the government had reduced the budget ceiling for the Free Nutritious Meal programme in the 2026 State Budget from Rp 335 trillion to Rp 268 trillion. The government also plans to continue efficiency measures for the programme.