Head of the National Nutrition Agency (BGN) Dadan Hindayana assured that the budget for the Free Nutritious Meals (MBG) program in the 2026 state budget remains Rp 335 trillion without cuts. The statement responds to Finance Minister Purbaya Yudhi Sadewa's efficiency plans following a Limited Coordination Meeting (Rakortas) at the Coordinating Ministry for Economic Affairs on March 16, 2026.
On March 16, 2026, Coordinating Minister for Economic Affairs Airlangga Hartarto held a Limited Coordination Meeting (Rakortas) at the Coordinating Ministry for Economic Affairs office in Jakarta, with the Finance Ministry and related ministries. The meeting discussed budget harmonization to keep the 2026 state budget deficit under 3 percent, per President Prabowo Subianto's directive, amid global oil price pressures from the Iran-US-Israel conflict. Efficiency targets non-priority spending like Additional Cost Budgets (ABT) of ministries/agencies (K/L), not flagship programs. Airlangga stated, “Anggaran program unggulan tidak dipotong sama sekali,” including Free Nutritious Meals (MBG) and Red White Village Cooperatives (KDMP), due to their long-term economic and welfare benefits. BGN Head Dadan Hindayana added, “Sementara kita masih tetap dengan yang ada, terutama yang sudah ditetapkan dengan APBN 2026.” He noted 93 percent of the national nutrition budget goes directly to food aid in regions. However, Finance Minister Purbaya Yudhi Sadewa said there is room for efficiency in MBG implementation. “MBG akan diefisienkan cara mereka belanja. Saya pikir MBG itu program yang bagus karena nggak semuanya kaya. Hanya pelaksanaannya dioptimalkan saja,” he said. Purbaya believes the program can be optimal without fully absorbing Rp 335 trillion: “Saya pikir gitu, nggak harus Rp 335 triliun.” No final budget change decisions have been made.
