Indonesia’s National Nutrition Agency (BGN) has announced an ambitious plan to establish 31,000 Nutritious Meal Kitchens (SPPG) across the country in 2026, supported by a state budget allocation of Rp 268 trillion (US$17.8 billion).

BGN chief Dadan Hindayana told health and manpower Commission IX of the House of Representatives (DPR) that as of September, 7,477 SPGs are already operational, spread across 38 provinces, 509 regencies, and more than 7,000 districts. However, five regencies − including Mahakam Ulu in East Kalimantan and several in West Papua − still have no SPPG facilities.

“Each operational SPPG absorbs around Rp1 billion (US$67,000) per month. Accelerating the establishment of new SPPGs is essential to ensure both effective budget absorption and broader access to nutrition programs,” Dadan told the hearing on Monday, September 8, 2025.

The 2026 budget marks a sharp increase from the initial indicative ceiling of Rp217 trillion, after an additional Rp50 trillion was approved. Of the total, 95.4 percent − around US$17 billion − will be allocated directly to nutrition programs, such as free nutritious meals for school children, pregnant women, breastfeeding mothers, and toddlers.

Education will take the largest share at Rp223 trillion (US$14.9 billion), followed by health programs at Rp24.7 trillion (US$1.65 billion) and economic activities at Rp19.7 trillion (US$1.3 billion). According to Dadan, this allocation will reach more than 74 million beneficiaries nationwide.

“The biggest allocation is directed to school children, especially those in primary schools, which will receive over Rp94 trillion (US$6.3 billion). In health, the largest share goes to breastfeeding mothers at Rp8.7 trillion (US$580 million),” he cited.

BGN also reported that budget absorption in August had already exceeded targets.

“We aimed for Rp9 trillion (US$600 million), but realized Rp13.2 trillion (US$880 million). For September, we are targeting Rp19 trillion (US$1.27 billion), and we are optimistic the trend will continue,” Dadan noted.

Apart from direct nutrition interventions, 4.6 percent of the 2026 budget − around US$830 million − will fund supporting programs, including digitalization, governance, community empowerment, and nutrition awareness campaigns.

Dadan emphasized that political support will remain critical. “Collaboration with Commission IX of the House is crucial to secure sustainable funding and ensure the successful implementation of the national nutrition program. Our mission is to guarantee that Indonesian children grow healthy, intelligent, and globally competitive,” he said.