Addin Anugrah Siwi, Jakarta – The National Nutrition Agency (BGN) has been allocated Rp 240 trillion ($13.6 billion) for 2027, with around 97% of the budget earmarked for the government's free nutritious meal program, agency head Sudaryono said on Friday.

The remaining 3% will cover the agency's operational expenses, including supervision and monitoring, personnel costs, and salaries for the heads of Nutrition Fulfillment Service Units (SPPG), which manage kitchens supplying meals under the program.

Sudaryono said the operational budget covers personnel needs for more than 30,000 people.

The free nutritious meal program has spent Rp 117 trillion so far this year, Sudaryono said after meeting Finance Minister Purbaya Yudhi Sadewa in Jakarta.

"We have made the 2026 free nutritious meal program more efficient, reducing its budget from the initial plan of Rp 268 trillion to Rp 229 trillion," Sudaryono said.

The Rp 39 trillion reduction represents a cut of about 14.6% from the initial 2026 budget plan.

The free meal initiative, a flagship program of President Prabowo Subianto's administration, has expanded rapidly across the country since its launch.

BGN currently oversees around 27,000 kitchens nationwide that prepare and distribute meals under the program.

Source: https://jakartaglobe.id/news/free-meal-program-gets-lions-share-of-bgns-136-billion-2027-budge