Indonesia's Nutrition Agency Plans More Budget Savings, Quality Unaffected

Indonesia's Finance Minister Purbaya Yudhi Sadewa announced that the National Nutrition Agency (BGN) is preparing another round of budget savings. The agency assures that the quality of the government's Free Nutritious Meals (MBG) Program will remain unaffected.

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Yesterday I met with the head of BGN. She came here and reported that there will be further savings from the BGN program. I think it's quite significant, but I'll let the head of BGN announce it later.

Purbaya stated that the plan was presented by BGN Head Nanik S. Deyang during a meeting at the Finance Ministry. While the exact amount of the proposed savings was not disclosed, Purbaya described it as "quite significant." He emphasized that the efficiency measures would not reduce the nutritional standards of the meals provided.

"The meals will remain the same. It's confirmed that the food will continue to be nutritious," Purbaya said. He added that the BGN plans to strengthen its human resources, potentially by recruiting more nutritionists.

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The meals will remain the same. It's confirmed that the food will continue to be nutritious. I'm not a nutrition expert, but what is clear is that they plan to strengthen their human resources. If I'm not mistaken, they will recruit more nutritionists.

The BGN chief also reported challenges in overseeing the nationwide meal program, especially in regional areas. To improve supervision, the Finance Ministry will deploy its regional personnel to monitor the operations of Nutrition Fulfillment Service Units (SPPG), which are responsible for preparing and distributing meals. "I said, if that's the case, then the Finance Ministry will step in at the regional level. My staff in the regions will regularly monitor the SPPGs. That way, I have the means to oversee how the budget is being used. They agreed," Purbaya said.

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I said, if that's the case, then the Finance Ministry will step in at the regional level. My staff in the regions will regularly monitor the SPPGs. That way, I have the means to oversee how the budget is being used. They agreed.

The government previously reduced the 2026 budget allocation for the MBG Program from Rp335 trillion (about $20.5 billion) to Rp268 trillion (around $16.4 billion). Further savings are now under consideration, with Purbaya supporting efficiency measures as long as they do not disrupt the program.

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I agree with the efficiency, especially if more savings can be made. But the program must continue.