Finance Ministry plans teams to oversee MBG funds nationwide

Jakarta (ANTARA) - Finance Minister Purbaya Yudhi Sadewa revealed plans to form special teams tasked with overseeing the use of funds under the Free Nutritious Meals (MBG) program across Indonesia in support of the National Nutrition Agency (BGN).

He emphasized that the Ministry of Finance intends to mobilize officials from the Directorate General of Treasury and the Directorate General of State Assets stationed in all districts and cities nationwide to step up budget monitoring.

“In short, oversight will be more structured because my office will take part in this task; the BGN will not work alone. There will be no collusion between us,” Purbaya told the press in Jakarta on Friday.

The minister argued that intervention by his ministry is essential to prevent potential “vested interests” if budget monitoring is delegated solely to BGN.

Purbaya further explained that the oversight teams would begin operations next week, noting that evaluations of MBG implementation and budget absorption would be conducted every two months.

He expressed hope that the move would help strengthen synergy between the Finance Ministry and BGN in making the MBG program a success.

In addition to bolstering oversight, the state treasurer underscored the ministry’s readiness to assist BGN with human resources capable of improving budget management.

The discourse on MBG budget oversight teams floated following his recent meeting with BGN Head Nanik S. Deyang, who admitted that there remain obstacles in ensuring funding accountability in various regions.

Previously serving as deputy chief, Deyang was appointed to lead the nutrition body earlier this month amid a structural overhaul following the arrest of former BGN head Dadan Hindayana in an alleged corruption case.

To address the crisis and ensure program improvements, she pledged to prioritize budget efficiency through a series of corrective measures, including suspending the establishment of new MBG kitchens and revising the list of beneficiaries.

To date, the government has decided to cut the 2026 MBG budget from Rp335 trillion to Rp268 trillion (around US$15 billion), with additional cost-cutting plans prepared.

Related news: Prabowo pushes Free Meals program to tackle hunger in Indonesia

Related news: Indonesian VP pushes MBG expansion in remote areas

Related news: Minister Mahendra to relay student board demands to Prabowo

Translator: Bayu Saputra, Tegar Nurfitra

Editor: Azis Kurmala

Copyright © ANTARA 2026