Dinda Shabrina, Jakarta – The National Nutrition Body (BGN) denies claims that the Free Nutritious Meals (MBG) program runs during school holidays just to spend the state budget. Deputy Head of BGN for Communication and Investigation, Nanik Sudaryati Deyang, stated that the program actually achieved significant savings. "Quite the opposite, we secured extraordinary budget savings for 2025," Nanik said in an official statement on Tuesday, December 23, 2025.

Nanik explained that the 2025 MBG budget of Rp71 trillion was originally for 6 million people. However, the government expanded this to 50 million children and the "3B" group – pregnant women, nursing mothers, and toddlers. These savings happened because partners and foundations built many MBG kitchens independently. This meant the BGN did not have to pay for kitchen construction.

"This efficiency allows us to reach many more people than first planned," Nanik added.

She stated that the BGN budget focuses on the food cost of Rp15,000 per portion. It also covers salaries for the Indonesia Development Agent (SPPI), nutrition experts, and accountants at each Nutrition Fulfillment Service Unit (SPPG). These funds also cover basic operations.

"Currently, nearly 100,000 employees work across the country from Sabang to Merauke. This data is available for verification with the Ministry of Finance," Nanik explained.

Regarding MBG during school holidays, Nanik said the program does not force children to attend school. During break times, the priority shifts to the 3B group, who do not have holidays. "Those who do not have holidays and still receive MBG are the 3B group. For school children, the program is optional. If a school wants to participate, they may submit a request. If they do not, that is also fine," she said.

Nanik noted that the BGN offers dry food distribution if a school requests it. Parents or families can collect the food so students do not have to be at school. "No one forces children to go to school during holidays to get their meals. Please do not twist the facts," she emphasized.

Nanik added that the government remains committed to providing nutrition for every Indonesian child. She cited a message from President Prabowo Subianto, who stated that no child should be left out of the program. This includes students in public schools, those in Islamic boarding schools, and children who do not yet have access to formal education.

Source: https://en.tempo.co/read/2075589/bgn-denies-mbg-during-school-holidays-is-just-budget-dumpin