JAKARTA, thekabarnews.com—The Indonesian Democratic Party of Struggle (PDI-P) has urged the government to revise the structure of the 2027 draft state budget. This includes separating Rp242 trillion allocated for the Free Meals (MBG) program from the constitutionally mandated education budget.

Budi Sulistyono, a member of the House of Representatives’ Commission VI from the PDI-P faction, delivered the proposal during a House plenary session in Jakarta on Tuesday, August 18.

“The mandatory education expenditure, which must account for at least 20 percent of the state budget, must support the MK’s decision. This decision requires the government to provide elementary, junior high and equivalent basic education free of charge. The MBG allocation must be removed from the 20-percent education budget,” Budi said.

PDI-P did not call for the government to cancel the MBG. The faction argued that the government should fund it without reducing resources intended for core educational services. These services include teachers, schools, learning facilities and access to basic education.

The debate follows Constitutional Court Decision No. 40/PUU-XXIV/2026, which determined that MBG does not constitute core education spending. The MK required the government to separate the program from the minimum 20-percent education allocation.

The ruling allows a transition in the 2027 budget, provided that MBG spending does not reduce the full 20-percent allocation for essential education programs.

The Finance Ministry has said it plans to complete the budget-classification adjustment in the 2028 state budget.

PDI-P’s demand would accelerate that separation by applying it to RAPBN 2027. This remains a proposal subject to negotiations between the government and the DPR before lawmakers enact it.

The faction also referred to a separate Constitutional Court (MK) ruling. This ruling requires the central and regional governments to guarantee compulsory basic education without tuition charges.

The MK clarified that the obligation covers public and community-run schools. Support for private institutions may be implemented gradually and according to eligibility criteria.

Beyond education, PDI-P asked the government to expand subsidized National Health Insurance membership (PBI JKN) to 35.5 percent of Indonesia’s population. That is approximately 102 million people.

Budi also highlighted projected debt-interest payments of Rp650.3 trillion, which exceed the approximately Rp549.9 trillion allocated for social protection.

He called for greater spending efficiency and stronger oversight of Rp195.3 trillion in food-security funding. He called for oversight of Rp435.4 trillion in infrastructure spending.

“The state must ensure that people have fair access to food, healthcare, education, housing, employment and national public services,” Budi said.

The government and lawmakers will continue examining the draft budget. This includes whether its spending priorities comply with MK decisions while maintaining fiscal discipline and funding major national programs.