Jakarta, Indonesia Sentinel — The Indonesian government has announced plans to allocate an additional Rp 100 trillion ($6.7 billion) to support President Prabowo Subianto’s ambitious Free Nutritious Meal (Makan Bergizi Gratis or MBG) program. This initiative aims to expedite nutritional support for millions of Indonesians, targeting 82.9 million beneficiaries by September 2025, instead of the original deadline of December 2025.
Sri Mulyani Indrawati, Indonesia’s Minister of Finance, is tasked with identifying budget adjustments to fund the program without undermining other government priorities. The planned reallocation stems from the government’s recent efficiency measures, including significant spending cuts under Presidential Instruction No. 1 of 2025.
Accelerating the Free Nutritious Meal Program Impact
The head of the National Nutrition Agency (Badan Gizi Nasional or BGN), Dadan Hindayana, clarified that the budget increase was a direct request from President Prabowo, driven by his urgency to meet the program’s goals sooner.
“President Prabowo asked us how much it would cost to implement the program fully by September. We estimated an additional Rp 100 trillion,” Dadan stated during a press conference.
This accelerated timeline reflects the administration’s focus on addressing nutritional deficiencies among vulnerable populations, especially schoolchildren. “It’s not the agency demanding more funds; it’s a consequence of the President’s directive for acceleration,” Dadan emphasized.
Progress and Implementation
The MBG program, launched earlier this year, is already operational in 31 provinces across Indonesia. As of January 2025, 238 Nutritional Fulfillment Service Units (SPPG) have been set up to prepare and distribute meals. During its first phase, from January to April 2025, the program aims to reach 3 million beneficiaries. By the second phase, running from April to August 2025, this number is expected to double to 6 million.
President Prabowo has underscored the importance of inter-agency collaboration to ensure the program’s success. During a cabinet meeting on January 17, he emphasized the need for seamless coordination among ministries and regional governments.
Funding Adjustments Amid Budget Efficiency
To accommodate the additional funding, the government is relying on efficiency measures outlined in Inpres No. 1/2025. Signed by Prabowo on January 22, 2025, the instruction mandates a total budget reduction of Rp 306.6 trillion ($20 billion) for the 2025 fiscal year. Ministries and local governments are required to streamline expenditures in areas like travel, ceremonial events, and non-essential projects.
Sri Mulyani has confirmed that part of the reallocated budget will be drawn from these savings. “The President’s vision is clear: to prioritize programs like MBG that directly benefit children and communities,” she stated.
President Prabowo Tightens Indonesia Fiscal Belt with $20 Billion Efficiency Plan
Strategic Importance
The MBG program represents a cornerstone of Prabowo’s social policy, aiming to improve the health and education outcomes of Indonesia’s younger generation. By providing free nutritious meals, the program seeks to combat malnutrition, a persistent issue in the country.
While ambitious, the initiative demonstrates Indonesia’s commitment to investing in its human capital. With careful planning and execution, the program could serve as a model for other developing nations tackling similar challenges
(Becky)
