The head of BGN, Dadan Hindayana, in a press conference on Saturday outlined that BGN's funds for the Free Nutritious Meal (MBG) program in 2026 reached Rp268 trillion (US$15,5 billion), with a reserve fund of around Rp67 trillion (US$3,8 billion).
"Around 93 percent of the Rp268 trillion is used for government assistance for nutritious meals. Therefore, almost Rp240 trillion (US$13,9 billion) is used for government intervention," he noted.
He explained that the budget is distributed directly from the State Treasury Service Office (KPPN) to the accounts of each Nutrition Service Unit (SPPG) or MBG kitchen throughout Indonesia to ensure faster and more targeted program implementation.
The direct distribution scheme ensures the program’s benefits extend beyond the central government, reaching communities directly and boosting regional economic activity through food procurement and service operations.
Hindayana conveyed that the main components of the funding include food supplies, operational costs, and incentives for implementers. The largest portion is allocated for food supplies to ensure the quality and nutritional adequacy of beneficiaries.
He added that prioritizing local resources is one of the program’s key principles, ensuring that its economic benefits are directly felt by local businesses, including farmers, food suppliers, and small enterprises.
The MBG program is part of the government's strategy to develop human resources through nutrition interventions from early childhood through school age.
BGN targets nutritious meal services to reach pregnant women, breastfeeding mothers, toddlers, and students, with phased implementation through the SPPG network in various regions.
Hindayana noted that evaluations of service quality are routinely conducted to ensure food safety and nutritional quality standards are maintained, while also ensuring that programs are running effectively in line with Indonesia's human development goals.
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Translator: M Fikri Setiawan, Resinta Sulistiyandari
Editor: Arie Novarina
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