The Indonesian government faces a potential loss of Rp 220 trillion from its free meal program budget following a recent Constitutional Court ruling, according to Kompas.com. The court decided that funding for the program, known as MBG, must be separated from the national education budget.
Kompas.com reports that the ruling creates a significant funding gap for the meal initiative, which had been drawing from education allocations. The outlet quotes calls for the government to find an alternative solution to keep the program running without violating the court's decision.
The Constitutional Court issued its own statement confirming that MBG funds cannot remain under the education budget heading. The court's position is that the meal program does not qualify as an educational expense, despite its links to student welfare.
Several responses have emerged since the ruling. Kompas.com notes that the Finance Ministry has been urged to follow up on the decision and adjust its budget planning accordingly. Meanwhile, Kompas.id reports that Commission X of the House of Representatives, which oversees education, has pledged to monitor implementation of the court's order.
According to detikFinance, a senior official identified as Purbaya indicated the government will comply with the ruling starting in 2028. This timeline suggests the current budget cycle may continue as planned, with changes taking effect in the next fiscal framework.
The dispute centers on whether student meal programs count as educational spending. The court's answer is no, which forces a reallocation of funds or new revenue sources.
What to watch next: how the Finance Ministry revises the 2028 budget draft and whether Parliament approves a separate funding line for MBG.
