The National Nutrition Agency (BGN) is currently reviewing a new distribution scheme for its free nutritious meals (MBG) program, taking into account the socio-economic conditions of the beneficiaries. Among the criteria under consideration is a specific income threshold or the welfare level of the community.
BGN spokesperson Agustina Arumsari clarified that income levels will not be the sole benchmark for determining target recipients. Instead, this factor will be weighed alongside nutritional vulnerability and a community's access to fulfilling its basic dietary needs.
"Income groups are just one of the indicators. Later on, we will look at nutritional vulnerability, socio-economic conditions, where income is just one parameter, and access to meeting nutritional needs. We are still working and refining these criteria," Arumsari stated during a press conference at the BGN office in Central Jakarta on Thursday, June 18, 2026.
She noted that the agency is still formulating a more precise and efficient methodology to determine the beneficiaries. Crucial discussions regarding this new framework will soon be held with the Ministry of Finance to align with the budget allocation for the 2027 MBG program.
Arumsari explained that communities trapped in areas marked by high nutritional deficiencies, poor socio-economic conditions, and restricted access to food will likely be prioritized as primary recipients.
"If they are in an area vulnerable to nutritional deficiencies, have low socio-economic conditions, and limited access to meeting nutritional needs, it could be a consideration for us to refocus on those who are in greater need," she said.
However, the agency has stopped short of designating which income bracket will receive top priority. The institution is still processing raw data before cementing any final policy decision. "If asked specifically about it now, the formula is still being formulated by us," she added.
This policy review comes as the agency works to evaluate the funding requirements for next year's rollout. According to Arumsari, the baseline assumption of 81 million beneficiaries, which initially formed the foundation for the 2027 budget proposal, needs to be reassessed.
She suggested that this figure might be overly ambitious when weighed against actual field requirements and the government's current fiscal realities. Therefore, the agency is restructuring several assumptions, particularly the mechanism used for targeting aid.
"The number emerged from the assumption of 81 million beneficiaries. We still consider that number to be too large," she concluded.
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