The President is working out the best way to achieve savings without disrupting the effectiveness of the school feeding program. That is what matters most,
Jakarta (ANTARA) - The government has cut the budget for the Free Nutritious Meals (MBG) program in the 2026 State Budget (APBN) from Rp335 trillion (US$18.4 billion) to Rp268 trillion (US$14.7 billion).

Finance Minister Purbaya Yudhi Sadewa, during a press conference on Tuesday, said the decision followed President Prabowo Subianto’s directive to improve efficiency in managing MBG funds.

As of April 30, budget disbursement had reached Rp75 trillion (US$4.1 billion), benefiting 61.96 million recipients and supporting 27,952 Nutrition Fulfillment Service Units (SPPG), or MBG kitchens.

“MBG spending has reached Rp75 trillion, equivalent to 22.4 percent of the Rp335 trillion allocation. However, the budget will no longer remain at Rp335 trillion. Certain savings will be made in line with the President’s instructions so that National Nutrition Agency (BGN) funds can be used more effectively and efficiently,” Purbaya said.

He also signaled the possibility of further budget cuts to the MBG program, although he did not provide additional details.

According to Purbaya, the President is currently improving both the management of the MBG program and the spending efficiency of BGN.

“The President is working out the best way to achieve savings without disrupting the effectiveness of the school feeding program. That is what matters most,” he added.

Meanwhile, state spending surged by 34.3 percent to Rp1,082.8 trillion (US$59.6 billion), equivalent to 28.2 percent of the 2026 State Budget target of Rp3,842.7 trillion (US$211.5 billion).

Central government spending rose 51.1 percent to Rp826 trillion (US$45.4 billion), which Purbaya said reflected the government’s strategy to distribute spending more evenly throughout the year.

Ministry and agency spending increased 57.9 percent to Rp400.5 trillion (US$22 billion), while non-ministry/institution spending climbed by Rp45.2 trillion (US$2.4 billion) to Rp425.5 trillion (US$23.4 billion).

On the revenue side, state income grew 13.3 percent to Rp918.4 trillion (US$50.5 billion), resulting in a state budget deficit of 0.64 percent of gross domestic product (GDP), or Rp164.4 trillion (US$9 billion), as of April 30, 2026.



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Translator: Imamatul Silfia, Resinta Sulistiyandari
Editor: M Razi Rahman
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