The National Nutrition Agency (BGN) plans to refocus the 2027 Makan Bergizi Gratis (MBG) program to ensure the budget is used more effectively. According to Deputy Head of the BGN, Agustina Arumsari, the agency is reviewing the list of beneficiaries to better target those who need nutritional support, a move that could reduce the total number of recipients by approximately 8 million people.
Budget and Beneficiary Adjustments
For 2027, the BGN has been allocated a ceiling of Rp 270.2 trillion, which is intended to cover 81.5 million beneficiaries. Arumsari stated in Jakarta on Monday (15/6/2026) that this figure is subject to change as the agency implements efficiency measures. While the exact final budget remains under discussion with the Ministry of Finance and Bappenas, the agency intends to lower the indicative ceiling through these strategic adjustments.
Refining Target Demographics
The BGN is coordinating with the Ministry of Health to prioritize recipients based on critical nutritional stages. Arumsari explained that technical guidance from the Ministry of Health emphasizes interventions starting from the pregnancy period and the first 1,000 days of life, as this window is vital for brain development. Consequently, the agency is evaluating which groups no longer require the subsidy.
One specific group identified for exclusion is students in high-income demographics. Arumsari noted that students in “high-class” schools, who may already have significant daily pocket money, are unlikely to remain in the program. Removing these students is expected to account for a reduction of approximately 8 million beneficiaries, allowing the agency to concentrate resources on more vulnerable populations.
What Happens Next
The BGN will continue to hold discussions with the Ministry of Finance and Bappenas to finalize the budget and the refined list of beneficiaries. Stakeholders can expect further updates once the agency completes its assessment of the program’s efficiency. The final scope of the 2027 program will likely depend on these ongoing inter-ministerial coordination efforts and the resulting budgetary adjustments.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the primary goal of the 2027 MBG refocusing?
The goal is to ensure the nutritional intervention is more targeted and effective by focusing on critical health stages and excluding those who do not require the assistance, such as students from high-income backgrounds.
How many beneficiaries are currently planned for the 2027 program?
The current allocation is set for 81.5 million beneficiaries, though this number is expected to decrease by approximately 8 million as the BGN refines its criteria.
Which government agencies are involved in this process?
The BGN is coordinating directly with the Ministry of Health, the Ministry of Finance, and Bappenas to determine technical nutritional priorities and budgetary efficiency.
How do you think the government should define “high class” when determining eligibility for state-funded nutrition programs?
