Indonesia weighs cuts to Rp268 trillion MBG nutrition program budget

Finance Minister Purbaya Yudhi Sadewa said the government is reviewing the Rp268 trillion budget for the Makan Bergizi Gratis (MBG) program and may reduce it. The final decision will follow President Prabowo Subianto’s guidance and detailed calculations by the Badan Gizi Nasional (BGN).

Purbaya told parliament, “Kami mengikuti keputusan Bapak Presiden.” The review aims to improve efficiency, refocus beneficiaries, and expand coverage to pregnant women, nursing mothers and toddlers while scaling back school‑based distribution. State Secretary Prasetyo Hadi added that the adjustment will be based on a thorough assessment of actual needs.

Members of the National Economic Council, Chatib Basri and Firman Hidayat, linked the move to broader fiscal prudence amid currency depreciation and rising living‑cost pressures. The government expects the evaluation to be completed within a month.