Jakarta, March 25 -- 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 u...