TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - Deputy Chairperson of the Indonesian House of Representatives (DPR) Commission IX, Yahya Zaini, has proposed refocusing the recipients of free nutritious meals (MBG) to prioritize toddlers and students in junior high schools or SMP.
According to him, this group is more important to receive nutritional intake. "Because they are still in a growing phase that requires high nutritional intake," said Yahya via WhatsApp message on Sunday, July 19, 2026.
He continued, with this scheme, high school students (SMA) will no longer receive the free meal (MBG) interventions to meet their daily nutritional intake.
Because, according to Yahya, during the growth phase of high school students, the MBG intervention does not have a strong influence. "Refocusing of the recipients must be done carefully, including ensuring the respective family's decile," said the Golkar Party politician.
Previously, the plan to refocus the recipients of the MBG project had been conveyed by BGN to the legislators of the House of Representatives Commission IX in a closed meeting held on Monday, June 15, 2026.
Deputy Head of BGN, Agustina Arumsari, said that refocusing was done considering that the recipients were targeted accurately and could also save the budget.
Furthermore, during the consultation meeting on Thursday, July 16, 2026, the Center of Economic and Law Studies or Celios stated that the number of MBG beneficiaries should be reduced from 82 million to 26 million according to needs and objectives.
Deputy Chairperson of the House of Representatives Commission IX, Charles Honoris, agreed with Celios' presentation. He said that referring to the initial purpose of the MBG project, which is to improve children's nutrition and reduce stunting, not all children are categorized as beneficiaries.
Therefore, Charles mentioned that Commission IX plans to form a working committee (Panja) to address various issues related to the MBG. "With the Panja, it is expected that there will be specific and comprehensive plans on how this program can proceed in the future," said the PDIP politician.
Read: BGN Absorbed Only 66 Pct of 2025 Free Meal Budget
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