Indonesia’s Finance Minister, Purbaya Yudhi Sadewa, has addressed a recent viral video depicting thousands of electric motorcycles bearing the logo of the National Nutrition Agency (BGN). The minister admitted he was not yet privy to the detailed information surrounding the widely circulated footage but assured the public that a thorough investigation would be conducted.
Sadewa revealed that a proposal for the procurement of motorcycles and computer equipment was, in fact, submitted last year to support the Free Nutritious Meal Program (MBG). However, that specific proposal was ultimately rejected on the grounds that it was not deemed a primary priority for the program at the time. “Last year, we did not agree; we rejected the purchase of too many computers and motorcycles. But now I don’t know the full situation; I will review it again. Is this a rumor? I will check it,” Purbaya stated to journalists at his office on Tuesday (7/4).
The nation’s treasurer emphasized that the core focus of the MBG budget should inherently be directed towards food provision, rather than the acquisition of supporting assets like vehicles. He suggested that businesses participating in the program ought to possess sufficient profit margins to independently cover their operational expenses. “It’s not that it’s forbidden, we just don’t know the exact nature of the program, but it should primarily be for food. Business owners already make enough profit; they should finance these needs from there. Nevertheless, I will verify the details regarding the motorcycle procurement again,” he elaborated.
Earlier, Purbaya had highlighted the potential state revenue generated by the MBG program. He projected that approximately 3 percent to 5 percent of the total budget would return to the state treasury in the form of taxes. With an allocated budget ceiling of Rp 335 trillion, the potential tax revenue is estimated to fall within the range of Rp 10.05 trillion to Rp 16.75 trillion. Despite these significant figures, he posited that the program’s most substantial impact extends beyond mere tax revenue, primarily stemming from the circulation of money within the community, which actively stimulates economic growth.
Kepala BGN Sebut Motor Masuk Anggaran 2025
Providing clarification on the viral video, Head of the National Nutrition Agency (BGN), Dadan Hindayana, confirmed that the procurement of electric motorcycles is indeed part of the 2025 budget plan. These vehicles are intended to bolster the operational activities of the Free Nutritious Meal Program (MBG), specifically for the Heads of Nutrition Fulfillment Service Units (SPPG). “This motorbike procurement is indeed included in the 2025 budget. Its function is to support the operations of the SPPG Heads,” Dadan explained in his official statement on Tuesday (7/4).
He further assured the public that these motorcycles have not yet been distributed to the relevant parties. All available units must first undergo administrative procedures to be registered as State-Owned Assets (BMN) before they can be officially deployed. “The motorbikes have not been distributed. Once the entire process is complete, they will first be recorded as BMN before being distributed,” he clarified.
Dadan also addressed misinformation circulating on social media regarding the quantity of the procured units. He firmly denied claims that the procurement reached an astounding 70,000 units. “The information about 70,000 units is incorrect. The actual realization of electric motorcycles stands at 21,801 units, out of 25,000 units ordered for the year 2025,” Dadan stated, providing precise figures to dispel the rumors.