Jakarta, June 18 -- Budget efficiency measures in Indonesia's Free Nutritious Meals (MBG) program could save the state budget around Rp1 trillion (around US$56 million) per month, according to Government Communication Agency (Bakom) head Muhammad Qodari.

Speaking at a press conference in Jakarta on Wednesday, Qodari said the government is committed to improving the governance of the MBG program, including by prioritizing the most vulnerable groups and imposing a moratorium on new MBG kitchens, formally known as Nutrition Service Fulfillment Units (SPPGs).

"According to reports from a recent meeting at the Coordinating Ministry for Food, the calculation shows savings of approximately Rp1 trillion per month," Qodari said. "That means savi...