Why MBG Budget Remains Intact Amid Spending Cut Plans

March 17, 2026 | 11:14 pm

TEMPO.CO, Jakarta – Finance Minister Purbaya Yudhi Sadewa said funding for Indonesia’s Free Nutritious Meals (MBG) program remains secure and will not be affected by the government’s broader spending-cut plans amid global economic uncertainty.

The program, one of President Prabowo Subianto’s flagship initiatives, has drawn intense public attention as the government reviews its budget priorities.

“The budget for the MBG program is still safe,” Purbaya said during a visit to Yogyakarta on Tuesday, March 17, 2026.

Although Prabowo has recently signaled possible budget adjustments, Purbaya said the government remains committed to supporting the school meal program. He added that the focus now is on improving its implementation.

“We will make sure the program is carried out much better than before,” he said.

During a visit to a traditional market in Yogyakarta, Purbaya also heard complaints from several mothers about the program. One woman urged the government to stop the initiative, arguing that it had been implemented unfairly and had created inequality.

“Sir, please stop the MBG program. It is unfair and creates a lot of inequality. If possible, just give us the money,” one woman told the minister.

Another mother complained that her child refused to eat the meals provided under the program.

Responding to the concerns, Purbaya said he would relay the public feedback directly to President Prabowo. He stressed that the government’s immediate priority is to improve the program’s effectiveness rather than scale it back.

“Let’s make it more effective, and I will convey this to the President,” he said.

Read: Purbaya Denies Fuel Price Hike Speculation Ahead of Eid

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