Andi Gani: Shouting Against MBG in Front of Prabowo Comes from Single Workers

Chairman of the 2026 May Day Committee and President of the All-Indonesian Federation of Trade Unions (KSPSI), Andi Gani Nena Wea, has responded to a viral video of workers shouting about President Prabowo Subianto’s Free Nutritious Meals (MBG) programme. Andi stated that the loud rejection during May Day originated from the front ranks of workers who are unmarried. “When we identified it, we did not intend to intervene or anything—no. Why do we not accept MBG? Because those at the front are mostly single,” Andi said at the Grand Mansion Hotel in Menteng, Central Jakarta, on Monday (4/5). According to him, for those without child dependents, funds from the government programme would be far more beneficial if redirected to their own future development needs. “Single, yes, they do not have children, so they reject MBG. For them, why bother? It’s more important for the funds to go to other development needs. So, we must emphasise that,” Andi said. Andi described the spontaneous action as a pure expression of freedom of opinion by the workers. He assured that for groups of workers who are married, the MBG programme still receives full support. “That is the labour movement. It cannot be suppressed and is as it is. So when I emphasise today, does the labour group accept MBG? Those with families certainly do. Because the benefits are received by their children,” Andi said. Prabowo once asked the workers about the usefulness of the MBG programme. He stressed that his flagship programme is important for future generations. This was conveyed by Prabowo during his speech in front of the masses at the International Labour Day or May Day action at the National Monument (Monas) in Central Jakarta on Friday (1/5). “Is MBG beneficial or not?” Prabowo asked. “No,” the workers shouted.