Purbaya Steps In to Oversee Free Nutritious Meal Budget in Regions, Could Shut Down SPPG

Finance Minister Purbaya Yudhi Sadewa has stated that his ministry will step in to oversee the Free Nutritious Meal (MBG) programme in the regions. This is being done as an effort to ensure the priority MBG programme can run more effectively, including the realisation of its budget usage. “Apparently, they (the National Nutrition Agency/BGN) sometimes find it difficult to conduct supervision in the regions. I said, if that is the case, then let the Ministry of Finance take charge in the regions,” Purbaya stated during a media briefing at the Juanda Building, Jakarta, on Friday (26/6/2026). Purbaya confirmed he will deploy Ministry of Finance personnel in the regions to directly monitor the Satuan Pelayanan Pemenuhan Gizi (SPPG), which serve as the kitchens and distributors for the MBG programme. “My people in the regions will monitor the SPPG periodically,” Purbaya asserted. The Finance Minister also stated that the Ministry of Finance could have the right to recommend the closure of SPPG kitchens if they are not run properly. He noted that this proposal was approved by the National Nutrition Agency (BGN). “They agreed, saying if it is not right, just close it, Sir. We discussed it like that. So, cooperation with BGN has been getting better,” Purbaya said. Furthermore, Purbaya mentioned he would also assist with human resources who are experts in finance, so that the running of the MBG programme can be much better. “We will also help with the human resources, if they need financial people, from the Finance department. Going forward, the MBG should be better,” he concluded.