State Secretary Minister Assures Free Nutritious Meal and Village Cooperative Budgets Will Not Be Cut Amid Efficiency Discussions

Jakarta – State Secretary Minister (Mensesneg) Prasetyo Hadi has assured the public that the government will not cut budgets for the Free Nutritious Meal (Makan Bergizi Gratis – MBG) programme and the Red-and-White Village Cooperative (Koperasi Desa Merah Putih) amidst discussions on efficiency measures following Middle East conflicts.

The efficiency measures are being undertaken to prevent the state budget deficit from exceeding 3 per cent.

“(Priority programmes) will not be reduced,” Prasetyo said after chairing a Coordination Meeting on Implementation of President Prabowo Subianto’s Priority Programmes at the Ministry of Defence on Tuesday, 17 March 2026.

Prasetyo explained that the government prefers to cut budgets for other unproductive spending. “That is what we will then reallocate so that productive programmes – programmes with impact, programmes that can help ease the burden on citizens – these are the ones that must be prioritised,” he said.

“Meanwhile, spending that can be postponed will continue to be tightened,” he added.

Prasetyo further noted that these efficiency discussions are still under review. Budget reallocation is not being done solely because of the conflict between the United States and Israel with Iran.