RADAR TULUNGAGUNG – Indonesia’s government will cut the budget for its flagship Free Nutritious Meals program, known as MBG, from Rp335 trillion to Rp268 trillion in 2026 following instructions from President Prabowo Subianto, officials said. The move aims to improve spending efficiency and strengthen financial management within the state-funded nutrition initiative.

The Free Nutritious Meals program, one of Prabowo’s most ambitious social welfare projects, has become a central pillar of the administration’s strategy to tackle child malnutrition and improve public health. However, concerns over budget absorption and operational efficiency have prompted the government to reevaluate how the program allocates and spends public funds.

Speaking on the planned reduction, Finance Minister Purbaya Yudhi Sadewa said the adjustment followed direct instructions from the president to make the program more effective while easing pressure on the state budget, or APBN.

Government Revises MBG Budget Allocation

According to Purbaya, the MBG budget for 2026 will temporarily fall by around Rp67 trillion from its original allocation. He said the government continues to calculate potential additional savings while reviewing the program’s financial structure and operational management.

“As of April 30, 2026, MBG spending had reached Rp75 trillion, or around 22.4% of the Rp335 trillion allocation,” Purbaya said during a public statement.

He emphasized that the government does not intend to weaken the program but instead wants to improve its governance. Officials believe tighter supervision and more disciplined spending could help the National Nutrition Agency, or BGN, deliver the program more efficiently.

Purbaya also pushed back against criticism directed at the MBG initiative, saying the administration remains open to public feedback and institutional evaluations.

“President Prabowo is improving the management of MBG and the way the agency spends money,” he said. “The program is not immune to criticism or input.”

The MBG program has drawn major public attention since Prabowo introduced it as a signature policy during the presidential campaign. The initiative aims to provide free nutritious meals to students and vulnerable communities across Indonesia, with the government presenting it as a long-term investment in human capital development.

Budget Efficiency Becomes Key Government Priority

The budget cut reflects broader efforts by the Indonesian government to maintain fiscal discipline while financing large-scale social programs. Analysts have raised questions over whether the massive spending target for MBG could strain the APBN if implementation fails to match projected efficiency levels.

The National Nutrition Agency, which oversees the program, faces increasing pressure to accelerate distribution while ensuring accountability in procurement and spending. Government officials have repeatedly stressed that improving administrative systems remains essential before expanding the program further nationwide.

Data released by the Finance Ministry showed that only a portion of the allocated budget had been absorbed during the first four months of 2026. The relatively low spending realization became one of the reasons behind the decision to reassess the funding structure.

Economists say the government’s decision signals a balancing act between maintaining popular welfare programs and safeguarding macroeconomic stability. Indonesia continues to face global economic uncertainty, currency fluctuations, and pressure on public spending priorities.

Public Debate Intensifies Over MBG Program Management

The budget revision is likely to fuel further debate over the future direction of the Free Nutritious Meals program. Supporters argue the initiative remains crucial for improving nutrition among children and reducing inequality, while critics question whether the implementation framework is ready for such a large fiscal commitment.

Several observers have also called for stronger transparency mechanisms within BGN to ensure public funds reach intended beneficiaries effectively. The government has not yet detailed which operational areas will face the largest reductions under the revised Rp268 trillion budget ceiling.

Despite the cuts, officials insist MBG will remain a flagship national program under Prabowo’s administration. The government says reforms now underway are designed to strengthen long-term sustainability rather than reduce the program’s social impact.

The Finance Ministry added that further evaluations remain possible as authorities continue reviewing spending patterns and operational performance throughout 2026.