Finance Minister Purbaya Yudhi Sadewa emphasized the government's commitment to implementing massive budget efficiency measures for the Free Nutritious Meal (MBG) program. This step was taken in accordance with direct instructions from Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto to ensure the strategic program runs optimally with a more effective allocation of funds.
As a concrete form of these efficiency efforts, the government has cut the MBG budget ceiling from the original Rp335 trillion to Rp270 trillion. Purbaya stated that his ministry is now conducting tighter supervision of the program's implementation on the ground, especially after discovering several execution loopholes during the initial phase.
In an effort to strengthen transparency, the Ministry of Finance is now involving the Directorate General of Treasury (DJPb) to supervise Nutrition Fulfillment Service Units (SPPG) in various regions. Purbaya emphasized that his party would not hesitate to follow up on any findings of irregularities by reporting them directly to the National Nutrition Agency (BGN).
Purbaya admitted that as a new program, MBG indeed faces implementation challenges. However, with better coordination between the Ministry of Finance and the BGN, he is optimistic that the budget governance of this program will become much more transparent, accountable, and continue to provide maximum benefits to the community in line with the government's vision.
