Purbaya to Cut Unproductive Free Nutritious Meal Programme Spending

JAKARTA, KOMPAS.com – Finance Minister Purbaya Yudhi Sadewa has assured that he will not cut the budget for the Free Nutritious Meal Programme (MBG), but will eliminate unproductive spending.

Purbaya stated that he would conduct efficiency measures on budget items considered unproductive – namely spending unrelated to the programme’s primary needs.

He cited examples such as repeated proposals for vehicle procurement which would be struck from the budget. “The MBG will not be cut except for unproductive items. How so? Let’s see. If they propose buying a motorcycle again, strike it. Buy a computer again, strike it. (Requirements) that are unnecessary, that are not related to food,” Purbaya said after an inspection at Tanah Abang Market on Monday (9/3/2026).

Therefore, Purbaya assured that the government would continue to implement the MBG programme effectively and efficiently.

One option being considered is to conduct efficiency measures on several budget line items, including within the MBG programme itself. He cited examples of supporting expenditures potentially subject to evaluation, such as purchases of equipment or additional facilities not directly related to food provision in the programme.

The government remains committed to the MBG programme whilst rationalising unnecessary peripheral spending that does not contribute directly to delivering meals to beneficiaries.