Andre Rosiade and Pekanbaru Mayor Support Evaluation, Not Termination, of Free Nutritious Meal Programme

Deputy Chairman of House Commission VI from the Gerindra Party, Andre Rosiade, and Pekanbaru Mayor Agung Nugroho have backed the continuation of the free nutritious meal programme (MBG) initiated by President Prabowo Subianto. Both stressed that the programme should be continuously improved and evaluated to ensure it is better targeted, rather than being halted. The statement was made during a review of the MBG implementation at SD Negeri 168 Pekanbaru, in Labuh Baru Barat, Payung Sekaki, Pekanbaru, Riau, on Friday (19/6/2026). They also inspected the MBG kitchen, or SPPG Payung Sekaki, which supplies surrounding schools. In his remarks, Agung Nugroho observed first-hand the positive impact of the MBG programme on the community. According to him, the benefits of MBG are not only felt by students receiving nutritious meals, but it also creates jobs and stimulates the local economy through the involvement of MSMEs and food suppliers. ‘I have met thousands, even millions, of beneficiaries. From children, parents working at the SPPG, to MSMEs supplying food ingredients. Everyone feels the benefits. If there are shortcomings, they must be corrected, not stopped,’ Agung said. Agung plans to convey directly to Prabowo through Andre Rosiade that the MBG programme should be continued. He believes the government’s intention to provide nutritious meals to Indonesian children is a noble step that all parties must support. ‘This programme is good. What needs to be done is refinement, from the budget and targeting accuracy to service quality. All major programmes inevitably require a process,’ he stated. Echoing this sentiment, Andre Rosiade said Prabowo is open to various criticisms and input regarding the implementation of MBG. However, evaluations are carried out to improve the programme so it becomes more effective and free from irregularities. ‘The President has instructed the cabinet to improve MBG so it is more targeted, with no leakages and no one turning it into a free-for-all. If there are deficiencies, we will fix them together,’ Andre said. Andre then directly sought the opinions of parents and students at SD 168 Pekanbaru. The majority of attendees expressed that the MBG programme must be continued. ‘I came to listen directly to the people’s voice. Is it true that the public wants this programme stopped? What I heard from parents and students is that they want MBG to continue because its benefits are real,’ said the Chairman of the Gerindra Regional Leadership Council for West Sumatra. Andre explained that the MBG budget is part of the state budget efficiency measures undertaken by Prabowo. Besides MBG, funds from these efficiencies are also used for the agricultural sector, irrigation development, school repairs, community health centres, hospitals, and basic infrastructure in various regions. ‘The ultimate goal is to improve the quality of Indonesia’s human resources. MBG is part of the government’s effort to create a healthy, intelligent, and stunting-free generation,’ Andre asserted. The Head of SD Negeri 168 Pekanbaru, Landriani Nurdin, also expressed appreciation for the implementation of the MBG programme at her school. She said the programme has provided tangible benefits for the students. ‘We thank Mr Prabowo, Mr Andre Rosiade, and Mr Agung Nugroho. The presence of MBG greatly helps our children and brings significant benefits to the school,’ she said.