MBG Budget Review Generates IDR 70 Trillion in Savings, DPR Says
SUARA NEGERI | JAKARTA — The Free Nutritious Meals (MBG) program is said to have saved up to IDR 70 trillion in the budget after a comprehensive evaluation of items deemed inefficient.
This information was conveyed by Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives Saan Mustopa after coordinating directly with the Head of the National Nutrition Agency (BGN), Nanik S. Deyang, during an audience with students at the Parliament Complex, Jakarta, Friday (June 19, 2026).
The crucial issue of the Free Lunch Program (MBG) was the main focus of a hearing between the Indonesian House of Representatives (DPR RI) and student representatives at the Senayan Parliament Complex, Jakarta, on Friday, June 19, 2026.
To provide clarity, Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives Saan Mustopa even directly contacted the leadership of the National Nutrition Agency (BGN) in front of students.
"We received a lot of input from our fellow students. Some of it was answered directly, especially regarding the MBG. We communicated directly with the Head of BGN, Nanik S. Deyang," said Saan.
The Nasdem Party politician revealed that, based on the BGN Head's explanation, the government is currently implementing major efficiency measures in the management of this flagship program.
Savings from this "clean-up" of inefficient budgets are claimed to reach tens of trillions of rupiah.
"In his explanation, there are savings related to the management of the MBG of around IDR 70 trillion. This is the result of a comprehensive review of MBG programs deemed inefficient and so on," Saan explained.
The closed-door meeting was attended by student delegates from various universities and organizations, including the Islamic Students Association (HMI), Trisakti University, Mercu Buana University, and Esa Unggul University.
Saan emphasized that the DPR is fully committed to overseeing all student aspirations and will soon officially forward them to the executive branch. (Jeane Patikawa)
