Eka Yudha Saputra, Jakarta – The Indonesian Democratic Party of Struggle (PDIP) has stated that the Rp223.5 trillion budget for the Free Nutritious Meal (MBG) program is sourced from the education allocation in the 2026 State Budget (APBN).
MY Esti Wijayati, Deputy Chair of Commission X of the House of Representatives from the PDIP faction, noted that this reference is based on the 2026 State Budget Law and the accompanying Presidential Regulation detailing the budget. In the attached documentation, she noted that the total education budget is recorded at Rp769 trillion, which includes the Rp223.5 trillion earmarked for the MBG program.
"It is officially stated in the APBN attachment book," Esti said during a press conference at the PDIP Sekolah Partai in South Jakarta on Wednesday, February 25, 2026.
According to Esti, this clarification follows a verification process conducted by PDIP through various meetings with regional leadership councils and party branches across Indonesia. In those forums, local cadres raised concerns regarding statements from several state officials who claimed that the MBG did not draw from the education budget.
"Because these questions have surfaced, we felt it was necessary to provide an open explanation," she stated.
Previously, Minister of Primary and Secondary Education Abdul Mu'ti asserted that the MBG program would not reduce the education budget within his ministry. He ensured that strategic educational initiatives would continue to operate and even expand throughout 2026.
"If there is an assumption that the MBG reduces the education budget, we state firmly that it is not true. The president's education-related programs will continue to be implemented to the best of our ability," Mu'ti said during a coordination meeting for the MBG program in East Java on Thursday, February 19, 2026.
Mu'ti mentioned that in 2025, the government allocated Rp16.9 trillion for the revitalization of 16,167 educational units across Indonesia, with construction reaching 93 percent completion. "This is proof that the state's commitment to improving educational infrastructure remains strong," he added.
For 2026, the revitalization budget in the APBN is reportedly set at over Rp14 trillion, allocated for 11,474 educational units. Additionally, President Prabowo Subianto is said to be planning an increase in the revitalization budget to cover 60,000 educational units.
"So, in total, when included in the state budget, we propose that this year there will be revitalization for around 71,000 educational units," Mu'ti explained.
In addition to infrastructure, Mu'ti ensured that digital learning programs, student assistance, and teacher training would proceed. He also emphasized that the Smart Indonesia Program (PIP) budget for elementary, junior high, senior high, and special needs students would not face reductions.
Public debate erupted earlier following claims that the MBG absorbed a portion of the education budget. The government maintains that the program does not erode education allocations but rather runs in parallel with efforts to strengthen infrastructure and student assistance.
However, based on the attachment to Presidential Regulation Number 118 of 2025 concerning the Details of the 2026 State Budget, the MBG budget is categorized under the education post. Out of the total Rp769 trillion education budget, approximately Rp223 trillion is allocated to the National Nutrition Agency (BGN) to execute the MBG program.
Source: https://en.tempo.co/read/2089260/pdip-2026-free-meal-budget-sourced-from-education-pos