TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - Deputy Head of the National Nutrition Agency (BGN) Agustina Arumsari claimed that the government could save over Rp3 trillion by halting the Rp6 million daily incentive for the nutrition fulfillment service units (SPPG) following operational adjustments.
"From that incentive, the savings could be more than Rp3 trillion as I mentioned earlier. [This is achieved] by not providing the MBG (Free Nutritious Meals) during the school holiday period," Arumsari said during a press conference at the BGN office in Central Jakarta on Thursday, June 18, 2026.
The projected savings of Rp3 trillion are calculated based on an 18-day school holiday period, assuming there are more than 27,000 SPPGs multiplied by the Rp6 million daily allocation.
Under Circular Letter Number 12 of 2026 regarding the Adjustment of SPPG Operations during Holidays in the MBG Implementation issued by BGN, SPPGs will no longer receive the daily Rp6 million incentive. The holiday period specified in the circular encompasses school holidays (even and odd semesters), national holidays, religious holidays, special optional regional government holidays, as well as Saturdays and Sundays.
Arum explained that this Circular Letter was enacted by BGN to optimize operational management and enhance resource efficiency. "Coincidentally, it is indeed a school holiday, as the Ministry of Education has formally set the holiday period from June 22 to July 13, 2026," Arum noted.
She emphasized that previous regulations allowing MBG distribution on holidays through a bundling system will no longer apply. The same suspension holds true for rules governing Ramadan and other public holidays. "This time, our policy dictates that we will not distribute MBG in an effort to standardize operational management and optimize resource efficiency," Arum concluded.
Read: Hundreds of Women Rally in Jakarta Today Against Free Meals Program
Click here to get the latest news updates from Tempo on Google News
AGO Names New Suspect in Free Meal Corruption Case
56 menit lalu
Glory Harimas Sihombing, the Chair of the Indonesia Food Security Review Foundation has been named as the sixth suspect in the BGN corruption case.
Indonesia Halts Free Meals for Toddlers, Mothers During School Break
1 jam lalu
BGN has decided to suspend the distribution of free meals for toddlers, breastfeeding mothers, and pregnant women during the holidays.
Agustina Arumsari Named BGN Spokesperson
1 hari lalu
The appointment of a BGN spokesperson follows input from several parliament members during a working meeting.
Why Can't Prabowo's MBG Program Be Halted, According to the Palace?
1 hari lalu
Muhammad Qodari, head of the Government Communication Bureau, said Prabowo's MBG program will continue despite growing criticism. Why?
Indonesia May End Free Meals Program for High School Students
2 hari lalu
Indonesia's BGN is reviewing its Free Nutritious Meals program, with affluent high school students among those who could lose eligibility.
MBG Kitchens to Lose Rp6 Million Daily Flat-Rate Incentive
2 hari lalu
Indonesian government will revise incentives for Free Nutritious Meal kitchens (SPPG) to improve efficiency and reduce spending.
Protesters Urge Prabowo to Dismiss BGN Head Nanik S. Deyang
3 hari lalu
Around 60 people held a protest in front of the Parliament Complex demanding that President Prabowo dismiss BGN Head Nanik S. Deyang.
Sony Sonjaya's Lawyer, Elza Syarief: We Will Reveal Everything
3 hari lalu
Former National Nutrition Agency Deputy Chief Sony Sonjaya says he intends to fully cooperate with investigators from the Attorney General's Office.
BGN Halts Free Student Meal Distribution During School Holidays
5 hari lalu
Previously, beneficiaries of the government's Free Nutritious Meals program received take-home meal packages to cover days when schools were closed.
Prosecutors: No Electric Motorcycle Confiscation in BGN Corruption Case
5 hari lalu
Prosecutors have identified Andri Mulyono, the commissioner of the electric motorcycle company PT YAT, as a new suspect in the BGN corruption case.
