Purbaya to Meet BGN Head This Week, Discuss MBG Efficiency?

Jakarta - Finance Minister Purbaya Yudhi Sadewa confirmed that the Ministry of Finance will coordinate with the Head of the National Nutrition Agency (BGN), Nanik S. Deyang, regarding budget efficiency for the Free Nutritious Meal (MBG) programme. The meeting is planned for this week, after a previous attempt was cancelled due to a summons from the President.

“Oh, this week. She wanted to come yesterday, but it didn’t happen because she was called by the President,” Purbaya said after a working meeting with Commission XI on Monday (15/6/2026).

When asked for details on the efficiency measures, Purbaya indicated that the meeting might not necessarily focus on efficiency, suggesting the BGN Head simply requested a regular meeting. “It’s not necessarily about efficiency, she just wants to meet. Thank you,” he stated firmly before departing.

Regarding efficiency, Purbaya previously stated that savings had reached Rp 40 trillion. This figure was based on a BGN report from March 2026. At that time, Purbaya claimed he did not cut the MBG budget, asserting that the efficiency came from the BGN’s own initiative. “It wasn’t me who cut it; indeed, she did it herself because she said there could still be efficiency under the current circumstances. So don’t say MBG is turning a blind eye; no, they are also making efficiencies,” Purbaya emphasised.

As of May 2026, the Ministry of Finance reported that actual spending on the MBG programme had reached Rp 88.15 trillion. This value represents a 17.5% increase from the previous month’s realisation of Rp 75 trillion.