Jakarta, VIVA \u2013 Prominent Chinese-Muslim figure Jusuf Hamka, also\nknown as Baba Alun, has dismissed claims that the Free Nutritious Meals\n(MBG) programme is killing micro, small and medium enterprises\n(MSMEs).<\/p>\n
He argued that the MBG programme, initiated by President Prabowo\nSubianto, has in fact delivered many positive impacts for Indonesia\u2019s\neconomic growth, including the creation of numerous jobs for the\npublic.<\/p>\n
\u201cI think that view is misguided. With MBG, many jobs have been\ncreated,\u201d he said, as quoted on Monday, 16 February 2026.<\/p>\n
Furthermore, he noted that MSMEs have been acting as the primary\ncatalyst in empowering cooperatives that serve as suppliers of raw\nmaterials for MBG, such as eggs, chicken, fish, meat, milk and\nvegetables.<\/p>\n
\u201cEgg farmers, chicken farmers, fish \u2014 all meat products \u2014 everything\ngets purchased. Vegetables also get purchased,\u201d he said.<\/p>\n
Although not yet perfect, Jusuf Hamka said MBG must become a\ncollective focus for improving quality, oversight, collaboration and\nmechanism adjustments. In doing so, the programme can run well and hit\nits targets going forward.<\/p>\n
\u201cPerhaps it is not yet perfect at the moment, but as I say, let us\nwork together to perfect it,\u201d he said.<\/p>\n
Jusuf Hamka also called on all Indonesians to continue supporting the\ngovernment\u2019s programmes in opening more jobs and absorbing new\nworkers.<\/p>\n
\u201cLet us support government programmes, because the government is not\nonly about MBG \u2014 it is also about absorbing our people into the\nworkforce,\u201d he said.<\/p>\n
He also reminded the public that the Indonesian government continues\nto pursue various strategic policies to bring prosperity and welfare to\nthe people through priority programmes.<\/p>\n
\u201cThe government is seeking the right formula to bring prosperity and\nwelfare to its people,\u201d he said.<\/p>\n
Previously, Deputy Head of the National Nutrition Agency (BGN) Sony\nSonjaya stated that the Free Nutritious Meals programme holds strategic\nvalue in determining the future direction of the Indonesian nation.<\/p>\n
\u201cAmong the flagship programmes, this (MBG) ranks at the very top,\nbecause at every event and activity, President Prabowo Subianto\nconsistently raises the issue of nutritious meals,\u201d he said.<\/p>\n
He explained that when the President speaks about MBG at various\nstate functions, it is not merely out of pride in a programme, but\nrather because it carries great value concerning the nation\u2019s\nfuture.<\/p>", "url": "https:\/\/jawawa.id\/newsitem\/jusuf-hamka-free-nutritious-meals-programme-creates-many-jobs-1771298063", "image": "" }, "sponsor": "Okusi Associates", "sponsor_url": "https:\/\/okusiassociates.com" }