JAKARTA – The commitment to strengthening the quality of Indonesia’s human resources was reaffirmed through the approval of the Free Nutritional Meals Program (MBG) budget in the 2026 State Budget (APBN). The House of Representatives Budget Agency (DPR RI) and the government unanimously approved the allocation of the program as an integral part of the grand strategy of national development.
The Chairman of the Budget Agency of the Indonesian House of Representatives, Said Abdullah, emphasized that the approval of the MBG budget was the result of comprehensive discussions between the House of Representatives and the government since the preparation of the 2025 to 2026 State Budget. All factions in parliament gave full support to the policy, reflecting political solidarity in supporting a development agenda oriented towards the future of the nation’s generations.
“The MBG budget was discussed and approved jointly by the government and the House of Representatives (DPR), as outlined in the State Budget. All factions unanimously approved the 2025 and 2026 State Budgets, which include budgeting for MBG,” Said said.
He emphasized that this decision is not merely a fiscal policy, but a long-term investment to strengthen the foundation of Indonesian children’s quality education. The MBG program is seen as a strategic intervention to ensure students receive adequate nutrition, thereby improving their concentration, health, and future productivity.
Said also emphasized that the DPR is ethically and constitutionally responsible for the approval. Legislative support for President Prabowo Subianto’s priority programs demonstrates strong synergy between the executive and legislative branches in realizing an inclusive and sustainable national development agenda.
Similarly, Cabinet Secretary Teddy Indra Wijaya explained that the 20 percent allocation of the education budget, amounting to Rp 769.1 trillion, had been discussed and approved by the House of Representatives (DPR). He emphasized that the MBG program is part of the government’s comprehensive effort to strengthen education quality through a holistic approach.
According to Teddy, the MBG is the initial foundation for improving the quality of national education by ensuring that students’ basic needs are optimally met. The government places nutritional needs as a crucial prerequisite for creating a healthy, intelligent, and globally competitive generation.
The joint approval of the MBG budget in the 2026 State Budget reflects the nation’s collective commitment to implementing policies that favor the interests of the people. With solid political support and measurable budget planning, this program is expected to be a significant milestone in building a superior Indonesia by strengthening human resources from school age.