Jakarta – The government is preparing further efficiency measures in the implementation of the Free Nutritious Meals (MBG) Program to increase budget effectiveness without compromising the quality of services to the public. These efforts include strengthening regional oversight, improving program governance, and enhancing the quality of human resources to ensure that beneficiaries continue to receive optimal benefits from the program.
Finance Minister Purbaya Yudhi Sadewa stated that the efficiency plan was presented by the Head of the National Nutrition Agency (BGN), Nanik S. Deyang, while discussing the progress of the MBG Program implementation. According to him, the budget savings being prepared are significant, although the details will be announced directly by the BGN.
“I just received a report from the Head of the National Land Agency (BGN) regarding the planned further savings in the program. I see the amount is quite substantial, but the official explanation will be provided directly by the Head of BGN,” said Purbaya.
The meeting also discussed various challenges in program implementation, particularly related to regional oversight. To address these issues, the Ministry of Finance will optimize its network of offices across Indonesia to monitor the operations of Nutrition Fulfillment Service Units (SPPG) and oversee budget utilization.
“I conveyed that supervision at the regional level can be assisted by the Ministry of Finance. Our officers in various regions will routinely monitor SPPG operations. This way, we have the tools to oversee and ensure that budget management remains under control, and the proposal is approved,” he said.
Purbaya emphasized that budget efficiency will not affect the quality or portion sizes of food provided to beneficiaries. Instead, the government will strengthen service quality by adding nutrition experts.
“There are no changes to the quality or portion sizes. Most importantly, the food provided continues to meet nutritional standards. Furthermore, the quality of human resources will be strengthened, including by recruiting more nutrition experts to optimize program implementation,” he explained.
Meanwhile, Commission IX of the Indonesian House of Representatives (DPR RI) approved four efficiency measures proposed by the National Development Planning Agency (BGN), which is estimated to save the state budget by around IDR 40 trillion. Commission IX member Zainul Munasichin assessed that the scheme has the potential to generate significant savings.
“After examining the four efficiency schemes outlined by BGN, I believe these measures have the potential to deliver significant budget savings,” Zainul said.
The four steps to be implemented include evaluating the number of beneficiaries, adjusting the MBG distribution schedule to five days a week, evaluating SPPG incentives based on the number