Jakarta, Feb. 13 -- President Prabowo Subianto said the government achieved Rp308 trillion (US$18 billion) in budget savings during its first year, redirecting funds to productive programs including the Free Nutritious Meal (MBG) initiative.

Prabowo made the announcement Friday at the Indonesia Economic Outlook 2026 forum in Jakarta.

He said the fiscal policies implemented yielded significant savings by cutting spending deemed non-productive.

"In the first year we saved Rp308 trillion, equivalent to $18 billion, and we can do even more," Prabowo said.

The president said the funds were redirected to programs directly benefiting citizens, such as MBG, aimed at improving nutritional quality nationwide.

Cuts included overseas travel, cer...