Zulhas Calls Beneficiaries Still 17 Million People If There Are No Alternative Funding MBG

Coordinating Minister for Food Affairs (Menko Pangan) Zulkifli Hasan. (Photo: Theresia Agatha/VOI)

Coordinating Minister for Food Affairs (Menko Pangan) Zulkifli Hasan said the beneficiaries of the program would remain 17 million people for this year if there were no alternative funding for the Free Nutrition Food (MBG) program.

Zulhas, Zulkifli Hasan's nickname, said that the budget for the MBG program that had been set was IDR 71 trillion. This budget will be used until December 2025.

"Yes, there is no (alternative source of funds). Later next year, only IDR 71 trillion with a total of more than 17 million beneficiaries until December," he told reporters in Jakarta, written Thursday, January 16.

Even so, Zulhas gave a signal that the MBG program budget could be increased to Rp140 trillion.

However, with a note, continued Zulhas, this additional budget could occur if state revenues also increase and budget savings can be carried out efficiently.

"If state income increases, if budget savings can be obtained here and there. So don't make sure first," he said.

Zulhas said, with the addition of this arrangement, more and more will be able to benefit from the MBG program.

"If the President manages to add another Rp140 trillion in August, then later the benefits will be more than 80 million," he said.