Purbaya gives signal that MBG budget may be reduced

JAKARTA - The government has signaled that the budget for the Free Nutritious Meal (MBG) Program may be reduced this year. However, the final decision is still pending discussion with the National Nutrition Agency (BGN).

Minister of Finance Purbaya Yudhi Sadewa said that the discussion regarding the MBG budget has not been carried out in the Plenary Cabinet Meeting.

"No. I didn't discuss MBG," he said at the Presidential Palace Complex, Jakarta, Monday (20/7).

However, Purbaya admitted that he would meet with the Head of BGN in the near future to discuss the strategy for implementing the program.

"I want to meet the Chairman of MBG this week, I want to see what his strategy is for this year," he said.

When asked about the possibility of budget changes, Purbaya admitted that the opportunity for reduction was still open.

"But what is clear is that there is a possibility of a decline," he said.

He has not explained the amount of the budget that will be reduced or the programs that will be adjusted.

Purbaya also has not confirmed whether MBG funding will still be in contact with the education budget as in the previous scheme.

"I don't know, I'll check again. But it shouldn't be," he said.