Chairman of the National Economic Council (DEN) Luhut Binsar Pandjaitan stated on Thursday that the Free Nutritious Meals (MBG) program budget could rise to Rp300 trillion (US$17 billion) in 2026.
The current MBG budget of Rp171 trillion (US$10 billion) for this year is concentrated in the Java region, he said at the International Conference on Infrastructure (ICI) 2025 in Jakarta, Thursday.
Meanwhile, he also acknowledged that the MBG program could accelerate national economic growth, as it involves many economic actors, along with the increase in economic turnover.
"We only focus on distributing the program in Java. Later, we will distribute it throughout Indonesia with a budget of Rp300 trillion next year. That brings confidence that the national economic growth of eight percent can be achieved," he said.
The MBG program received a budget allocation of Rp71 trillion in the 2025 State Budget, initially targeting 17.9 million recipients comprising 15.5 million students and 2.4 million pregnant or breastfeeding mothers and toddlers.
Related news: Pregnant women in Jakarta's Kalideres receive 159 MBG packages
However, in line with President Prabowo Subianto's directive, the MBG Program aims to reach 82.9 million recipients, served by 32 thousand Nutrition Fulfillment Service Units (SPPG) or public kitchens.
To meet this target, the government planned to increase the MBG budget by Rp100 trillion (US$5.9 billion), resulting in a total budget of Rp171 trillion.
However, as of May 21, 2025, the realization of MBG absorption has only reached Rp3 trillion (US$178 million) with 3.98 million beneficiaries served by 1,386 SPPGs—far below the target set in the State Budget.
The Ministry of Finance said it would increase the budget allocation for MBG if recipient targets are met.
"We are ready to prepare for additional budget needs of Rp100 trillion as has been conveyed if 82.9 million recipients are covered in the fourth quarter of 2025," Deputy Minister of Finance Suahasil Nazara noted at a press conference on May 23.
Related news: Govt to up free meals budget if beneficiary target is met
Translator: Imamatul Silfia, Resinta Sulistiyandari
Editor: Rahmad Nasution
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