Indonesian Finance Minister Purbaya Yudhi Sadewa said schools unwilling to join the Free Meals (MB) program may decline the service. He expects limited opt-outs could produce budget savings. He said the National Nutrition Agency (BGN) must determine procedures after its newly appointed chief, Sudaryono, completes an internal leadership transition in Jakarta.

JAKARTA, thekabarnews.com—Indonesian Finance Minister Purbaya Yudhi Sadewa said schools unwilling to participate in the Free Meals (MGB) program may decline the service.

Purbaya made the statement at the Coordinating Ministry for Economic Affairs in Jakarta on Thursday, July 23. He presented the opt-out arrangement as his understanding of the policy. He said the National Nutrition Agency (BGN) must determine the detailed procedure.

“If I understand it correctly, schools that refuse may choose not to receive MBG because only a small number have accepted it,” Purbaya told reporters.

Purbaya said BGN, rather than the Finance Ministry, controls the program’s implementation in schools. He had not received details about how an institution could formally refuse the meals. He had not learned how BGN would record an opt-out.

“I don’t know what the details look like. I have to ask the head of MBG about the procedure. They are the ones managing the program at schools,” he said.

The minister’s comments signal operational flexibility but do not establish a detailed national opt-out mechanism. Based on Purbaya’s explanation, BGN will decide how schools communicate refusals and how officials adjust meal allocations.

Purbaya said fewer participating schools could lower spending, although he rejected describing the effect as a budget cut.

“There will certainly be a reduction if that happens—savings, not a cut. But it depends on how they arrange the technical implementation,” he added.

He did not estimate how much the government could save. BGN’s official 2026 budget ceiling totals Rp268 trillion. Of this amount, 95.4 percent is allocated to the national nutrition program. Rp248 trillion is designated for MBG, according to the agency.

A finance ministry update recorded Rp44 trillion in MBG spending. There were 61.62 million beneficiaries and 25,082 Nutrition Fulfillment Service Units (SPPGs) as of March 9, 2026.

Purbaya said he would allow BGN’s new chief, Sudaryono, to consolidate the agency before discussing further efficiencies. President Prabowo Subianto inaugurated Sudaryono on July 22 under Presidential Decree No. 78P/2026, ANTARA reported.

Sudaryono replaced Nanik S. Deyang, who resigned to undergo medical treatment. Purbaya expects to meet the new BGN chief the following week to review program implementation and spending.

The MBG program aims to improve nutrition among schoolchildren, women in pregnancy and young children. It also supports local food suppliers and small businesses. Any savings will depend on how many schools opt out and the procedure BGN ultimately adopts.