Purbaya Signals MBG 2026 Budget to Be Slashed by Rp40 Trillion
The Free Nutritious Meal (MBG) programme, one of the government’s priority initiatives, continues to face sharp criticism from various sectors due to its massive budget and vulnerability to misappropriation.
Amidst a wave of criticism, Finance Minister Purbaya Yudhi Sadewa has signalled that the MBG budget could be cut by around Rp40 trillion. When asked by the media regarding a potential Rp40 trillion reduction, as previously suggested by the Deputy Head of the National Nutrition Agency (BGN), Agustina Arumsari, Purbaya indicated that such a possibility exists.
“Perhaps. You should ask her (Agustina Arumsari); she understands more than I do,” Purbaya stated during a media briefing at the Juanda Building, Jakarta, on Friday (26/06/2026).
Purbaya expressed his agreement with implementing efficiencies in the MBG budget of up to Rp40 trillion or even more. “I agree, especially if it is cut even further. Looking at the proposal previously, there is room for better efficiency. Although, it could still be reduced a little more,” he said.
Purbaya further noted that the Free Nutritious Meal budget will be reduced to below the current allocation of Rp268 trillion. The Finance Minister also emphasised that the budget cut is an initiative from the National Nutrition Agency (BGN).
The Ministry of Finance and the National Nutrition Agency (BGN) reached an agreement to trim the MBG budget following a meeting with the Head of BGN, Nanik S. Deyang, at the Ministry of Finance office on Thursday afternoon (25/06/2026). Despite the budget reduction, he ensured that the portion of the meals and the nutritional value for beneficiaries will not be diminished.
In accordance with presidential directives, MBG efficiency has already been implemented, reducing the budget from an initial Rp335 trillion to approximately Rp228.38 trillion. The total efficiency for the 2026 MBG budget currently stands at Rp39.62 trillion.
According to the Minister, this figure is still subject to change as the efficiency process and the refocusing of beneficiaries by the BGN are ongoing.