Amran States MBG Not Linked to 2029: President Not Political

JAKARTA - Agriculture Minister Andi Amran Sulaiman stated that the Free Nutritious Meals (MBG) programme is not related to the 2029 presidential election contestation. Amran made this statement when asked for his response to a Central Statistics Agency (BPS) report which indicated that MBG has effectively driven growth in the agricultural and livestock sectors. Amran said that in launching the programme, President Prabowo Subianto did not act politically because the targets of MBG are foetuses, toddlers, primary school children, and others. “If we’re talking politics, the President has no political angle. We’re giving to primary school children, foetuses – the 2029 election has no connection,” Amran said when met at his residence in Kalibata, South Jakarta, on Wednesday (6/5/2026). In providing meal menus for beneficiaries, they purchase raw materials from farmers. The presence of MBG creates demand for agricultural products. The implementation of the MBG programme drives economic circulation at the grassroots level. “The economy circulates in the villages. The market comes alive and the people directly feel it,” Amran stated. Thanks to the programme, the agricultural sector grew 4.97% annually and contributed 12.57% to GDP in the first quarter of 2026. This growth made the agricultural sector the third largest contributor to GDP among economic fields. On the other hand, BPS also reported that MBG has driven livestock growth to 11.84%. “Along with the increasing demand for broiler chicken meat and eggs, one of which is to meet demand during Ramadan and Eid al-Fitr, as well as the MBG programme,” said BPS Chief Amalia Adininggar Widyasanti during a press conference in Jakarta on Tuesday (5/5/2026).