Jakarta (ANTARA) – Indonesia could save up to Rp40 trillion (US$2.2 billion) annually by trimming operating days for its Free Nutritious Meals (MBG) program, Finance Minister Purbaya Yudhi Sadewa said, as the government seeks efficiencies amid global economic volatility.The proposed savings would come from reducing the program’s weekly operations to five days from six, a move put forward by the National Nutrition Agency (BGN), Purbaya said on Wednesday.“Previously, the MBG program ran six days a week. BGN has proposed five days. That efficiency could generate significant savings, up to Rp40 trillion annually,” he said.Purbaya stressed the initiative originated from the BGN, reflecting internal efforts to optimize spending during uncertain global conditions driven by geopolitical tensions.“I did not make these cuts; BGN identified the efficiency themselves, noting there was still room for savings,” he added.He said the proposal remains preliminary and will be formally announced by BGN Head Dadan Hindayana following further review.The minister emphasized that the projected savings are separate from the broader Rp81 trillion efficiency target set by President Prabowo Subianto.The five-day operational plan was discussed at a coordination meeting under the Coordinating Ministry for Economic Affairs, as part of wider fiscal consolidation measures.For the 2026 fiscal year, the government has allocated Rp335 trillion (US$19.1 billion) to continue the MBG program, underscoring its role as a flagship social initiative.Of that total, Rp268 trillion (US$15.3 billion) is channeled through ministries and agencies, primarily to the BGN, while Rp67 trillion (US$3.8 billion), or 20 percent, has been reserved.As of March 9, 2026, budget absorption reached Rp44 trillion (US$2.5 billion), equivalent to 13.1 percent of the program’s total allocation in the state budget.The MBG program has so far reached 61.62 million beneficiaries nationwide, supported by 25,082 Nutrition Fulfillment Service Units (SPPG), or kitchens, across regions.Java accounts for the largest share of recipients at 35.47 million, followed by Sumatra with 12.63 million and Kalimantan with 2.63 million, reflecting the program’s broad geographic reach.