The Healthy Meal Program is Still Running, Purbaya Says BGN is Preparing for Large Budget Efficiency

JAKARTA - Minister of Finance Purbaya Yudhi Sadewa revealed that the National Nutrition Agency (BGN) will again carry out budget efficiency in a considerable amount.

This was conveyed after his meeting with the Head of BGN, Nanik S Deyang, at the Ministry of Finance Office, Central Jakarta, Thursday, June 25.

Purbaya explained that the Head of BGN had reported on the plan for further savings in the implementation of the institution's programs.

He assessed that the value of the efficiency prepared was quite significant, but asked the public to wait for an official announcement from BGN.

"Yesterday I met the Head of BGN. He reported that there would be further savings from the BGN program. I think it's quite significant, but later let the Head of BGN announce it," he said in a press conference, Friday, June 26.

When asked about the news of efficiency that is said to reach around IDR 40 trillion, Purbaya did not provide certainty and only said that the figure might be close. "Maybe (around IDR 40 trillion)," he said.

When asked for an explanation regarding the budget posts that would be cut, Purbaya again emphasized that it was the authority of the BGN. "Ask him (BGN), he knows better than me," he said.

Although he was reluctant to reveal the exact amount of savings, Purbaya admitted that he supported this efficiency step because the BGN program still needed to be carried out because it had good benefits for the community, but its implementation must continue to be improved so that the use of the budget becomes more optimal.

"I agree (budget cuts), especially if it is cut even more. That means there is better efficiency. Yesterday I saw the proposal there was better efficiency, although it could still be reduced a little more. But later it will be significant, but it's not me who proposes it, the head of the BGN himself," he explained.

In addition to discussing budget efficiency, Purbaya also conveyed that he would strengthen supervision of the implementation of the nutritious meal program through the Directorate General of Treasury (DJPb).

He said that DJPb officers in various regions would be assigned to monitor the use of the budget in each Nutrition Fulfillment Service Unit (SPPG).

Purbaya said that this step was taken to help BGN ensure that the budget was used for the right target, and if violations were found in its implementation, the government did not rule out taking firm action.

"Later, my people in the region will monitor the SPPG-SPPG periodically. So I have tools and I can control the budget, they also agree. 'If it's not right, you can just close it, sir', we discuss like that. So the cooperation with BGN has gotten better," he said.

In addition, the government will also strengthen the capacity of human resources (HR) in BGN, Purbaya said the need for experts, especially in the field of finance, will continue to be met, including through the support of personnel from the Ministry of Finance if necessary.

"Before I entered the riot, now it's not, so I hope it will get better, we will also help the human resources if needed, the finance department will help, it should be better in the future," he said.