RADAR TULUNGAGUNG – The Indonesian government plans to reduce the schedule of the Free Nutritious Meals Program from five days to four days per week. The adjustment is expected to save more than Rp50 trillion from the state budget every year. The policy immediately sparked public discussion because the Free Nutritious Meals Program has become one of the government’s flagship social assistance initiatives.
Deputy Finance Minister Juda Agung confirmed the plan during the National Policy Dialog and Kickoff for National Intermediation Acceleration, also known as Pinisi, on Monday, April 27. He explained that the government would remove Saturday from the distribution schedule of the Free Nutritious Meals Program to improve fiscal efficiency and strengthen oversight.
According to Juda Agung, the reduction of one operational day could significantly ease pressure on the state budget. He said the government estimates savings of around Rp1 trillion annually for every day reduced from the program’s schedule. With the new policy, the administration expects to create more fiscal space while maintaining the program’s core objectives.
The Free Nutritious Meals Program, widely known as MBG, was designed to improve nutritional intake for schoolchildren and vulnerable communities. The initiative also became one of the most discussed national programs because of its massive budget allocation and long-term impact on public welfare.
Government Prioritizes Fiscal Efficiency
Juda Agung emphasized that the decision was not purely about cutting spending. He stated that the government also evaluated the effectiveness of the current implementation system before deciding to reduce the weekly distribution schedule.
He explained that reducing the program to four days per week would allow the government to focus resources more efficiently. Officials believe the adjustment could still maintain the nutritional targets while minimizing waste and operational inefficiencies.
The Finance Ministry also sees the policy as part of broader fiscal management efforts amid growing demands on the state budget. In recent months, public attention has increasingly focused on how the government balances large-scale social programs with fiscal sustainability.
Analysts believe the Free Nutritious Meals Program remains politically and socially important because it directly affects millions of beneficiaries across Indonesia. However, the enormous operational costs have raised concerns among economists and policy observers.
Stricter Supervision for MBG Program
Besides reducing operational days, the government also plans to tighten supervision of the program’s implementation in the field. Authorities want to ensure that food quality, nutritional standards, and distribution systems meet official requirements.
Juda Agung warned that service units failing to meet standards would face strict sanctions. The government specifically highlighted the role of Nutrition Fulfillment Service Units, or SPPG, which handle food preparation and distribution.
The stricter supervision comes after concerns about uneven implementation in several regions. Some observers have questioned whether all service providers can consistently maintain food quality and hygiene standards.
The government hopes tighter monitoring will improve accountability and public trust in the Free Nutritious Meals Program. Officials also believe better supervision could prevent budget leaks and ensure funds are used effectively.
Public Reaction Begins to Grow
The announcement quickly attracted attention on social media and among education observers. Many parents and community groups are now questioning whether reducing the schedule could affect students who rely on the meals during school days.
Supporters of the policy argue that budget efficiency is necessary to keep the program sustainable in the long run. They believe stronger supervision and more focused implementation could improve the quality of services despite fewer distribution days.
Critics, however, worry that the reduced schedule may weaken the program’s social impact. Some experts argue that nutritional support should remain consistent, especially for children from low-income households.
Even so, the government insists that the Free Nutritious Meals Program will continue as a national priority. Officials say the adjustment only aims to create a more effective and financially sustainable system without eliminating the program’s benefits.
The policy is expected to become one of the most closely watched economic and social issues in Indonesia in the coming months. Public debate will likely continue as the government prepares detailed implementation guidelines for the revised Free Nutritious Meals Program schedule.