Jakarta. Finance Minister Purbaya Yudhi Sadewa said the government could cut the 2027 budget for the Free Nutritious Meals program (MBG) to below Rp 200 trillion ($11.35 billion), potentially saving more than Rp 40 trillion from the current allocation of around Rp 240 trillion.

The government has already reduced the planned budget for the program several times, from an initial estimate of around Rp 330 trillion to Rp 260 trillion and then to approximately Rp 240 trillion.

Purbaya said further savings could come from improving the program's implementation and expanding the use of technology.

“Rp 240 trillion has been allocated for next year, but I am confident we can bring it down further through efficiency measures and the use of technology,” Purbaya said at the 100 Indonesian Economists Forum 2026 in Jakarta on Thursday.

He said the possibility of further efficiency had been discussed with National Nutrition Agency (BGN) head Sudaryono, following a meeting between their respective teams at the Finance Ministry last Friday.

“It looks like we can make it even more efficient, to below Rp 200 trillion,” Purbaya said.

The Finance Ministry will also tighten oversight of the program's implementation to ensure that spending at the local level is used more efficiently.

The ministry's regional officials will take turns monitoring the MBG kitchens (SPPG) across the country.

“Our regional employees will take turns overseeing each SPPG,” Purbaya said.

He said stronger oversight, alongside greater use of technology and improvements in the program's implementation, could help reduce costs without compromising the program's targets or service quality.

Further savings from the MBG program would give the government additional fiscal space in the 2027 state budget.

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