Jakarta — The Indonesian government recorded a state budget (APBN) surplus of Rp 4.3 trillion, equivalent to 0.02 percent of GDP, by the end of April 2025. Despite the surplus, President Prabowo Subianto’s flagship programs are running at full steam—most notably the Free Nutritious Meals (MBG) program, a key driver of his administration’s social agenda.

According to data from the Ministry of Finance, state revenue has reached Rp 810.5 trillion (27 percent of the target), while government expenditure stood at Rp 806.2 trillion (22.3 percent of the budget ceiling). The primary balance also posted a robust surplus of Rp 173.9 trillion.

Amid this prudent fiscal management, the MBG program continues to expand. As of May 21, 2025, it had reached 3.97 million beneficiaries, with a budget realization of Rp 3.006 trillion. The number of schools implementing the MBG scheme (SPPG) surged dramatically from just 45 in January to 1,386 schools by May.

“We hope all 82.9 million beneficiaries can be reached in Q4—depending on which month that begins—and the state budget is being prepared accordingly for MBG,” said Deputy Finance Minister Suahasil Nazara at the APBN KITA May edition press conference in Jakarta on Friday (May 23).

MBG is a flagship government initiative aimed at reducing stunting, strengthening the immune systems of Indonesian children, and supporting sustained learning in schools.

Free Health Checkups Show Strong Uptake

Another headline program, the Free Health Checkup (PKG), which launched on February 10, 2025, is also showing impressive results. As of May 7, more than 4.2 million people had participated in the program, conducted across 9,346 community health centers (Puskesmas) nationwide.

The highest participation was recorded among citizens aged 40–59 years (1.46 million), followed by those aged 25–39 years (1.29 million), indicating rising public awareness of health issues, according to government analysts.

Teacher Incentives and Food Security Strengthened

In the education sector, the distribution of Regional Civil Servant Teacher Professional Allowances (TPG ASN Daerah) is moving faster than ever, thanks to a new scheme where funds are transferred directly from the state treasury to individual teachers’ accounts. From the total allocation of Rp 66.92 trillion, Phase I has already disbursed Rp 14.75 trillion to 1.26 million teachers. Phase II is scheduled for June, with an allocation of Rp 15.55 trillion.

“The teachers have expressed gratitude because these allowances are transferred directly to their accounts. The process is accurate, fast, accountable, and transparent—improving teacher welfare,” Suahasil noted.

Meanwhile, national food security is on solid footing. As of May 15, 2025, the state logistics agency BULOG held 3.73 million tons of rice—the highest stockpile in 57 years. National rice production from January to April 2025 is projected to rise by 25.7 percent year-on-year.