Speaking at the Presidential Palace complex here on Tuesday, he said that if the budget for the program is expanded, it would have a positive impact on the national economy.
"The number of (program) recipients has reached tens of millions of students, while the number of students in Indonesia is more than that. If the budget is increased, we need to support it, it is good for our economy," he informed when asked about the plan to increase the MBG budget.
He said that the MBG program is currently targeting around 19.47 million students, with a budget of Rp71 trillion allocated for 2025.
However, following the program's launch on January 6, 2025, the government said it wants to expand the program to reach 82 million beneficiaries.
"The increase in the budget must certainly be balanced with the readiness of services in the field. The President always encourages this program to be realized properly," he added.
Sudaryono further said that there is a need to ensure the preparation of fertilizers, logistics, and food crop harvests so that the MBG program can be realized optimally.
Earlier on January 10, Minister of Cooperatives, Budi Arie Setiadi, estimated that MBG's budget could reach Rp400 trillion, or around US$24.5 billion, to cover 80 million beneficiaries.
"The amount of the budget will continue to be increased and is estimated to reach Rp400 trillion when this program covers 80 million beneficiaries, so this is a long-term investment to produce a superior generation," he said.
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Translator: Andi F, Kenzu
Editor: Azis Kurmala
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