TEMPO.CO, Jakarta — The Head of the National Nutrition Agency (BGN), Dadan Hindayana, claimed that there is no budget cut for Free Nutritious Meals as the Corruption Eradication Commission (KPK) alleged. According to him, the KPK has not received an explanation regarding the different budgets for Free Nutritious Meals raw materials, which vary depending on the region and education level.
"The budget for raw materials has been different from the beginning. From early childhood education (PAUD) to 3rd grade of elementary school, the standard is Rp 8,000. Meanwhile, for other children, it is Rp10,000," Dadan told Tempo on Tuesday, March 11, 2025.
Dadan said that this budget covers most of the western regions of Indonesia. Meanwhile, the budget for raw materials adjusted according to the cost of living index in each region as published by the National Development Planning Agency (Bappenas).
"For example, in Papua, Puncak Jaya, the budget for raw materials is Rp59,717 and others," he said.
Dadan emphasized that the raw materials budget was spent following the proof of expenditure. Any excess will be refunded, and it will be added if there is a shortage.
Dadan explained that partners and the Head of the Nutrition Fulfillment Service Unit (SPPG) prepared the budget every 10 days. The number of beneficiaries for each has been detailed in the proposal from the beginning.
"If there is an excess within 10 days, it will be carried over to the next 10 days. If there is a shortage, it will be corrected for the next 10 days," he said.
Previously, the KPK conveyed an alleged budget cut for Free Nutritious Meals at a meeting with BGN last Wednesday, March 5, 2025. The Chairperson of the KPK, Setyo Budiyanto, said that they received information about the price cut of the meals that did not match the set budget.
Setyo said that the KPK has received reports of a reduction in the meals that should have been valued at Rp10,000, but were only received at Rp8,000.
Mutia Yuantisya contributed to the writing of this article.
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