Brebes Residents Stage Pro-Government Demo for Free Nutritious Meals Programme, Regent Joins Protesters Sitting on the Road

A peaceful demonstration supporting the government’s Free Nutritious Meals (MBG) programme was held by residents in several regions. In Brebes Regency, Central Java, a similar event took place on Monday afternoon (29/6). During the protest, Brebes Regent Paramitha Widya Kusuma met the demonstrators by sitting cross-legged in the middle of the road. The action, attended by hundreds of residents and dominated by women, began at Karang Birahi Stadium and proceeded with a long march to Brebes Square, a distance of approximately one kilometre. Upon arrival at Brebes Square, several representatives of the crowd delivered speeches. The participants came from various groups linked to the implementation of the MBG programme, including volunteers from the Nutrition Service Fulfilment Unit (SPPG) kitchens, parents, farmers, and livestock breeders supplying food ingredients. Formagi (Nutrition Resilience Partner Forum) Vice Chairman Untung Surodi expressed his belief that the MBG programme is an excellent initiative from President Prabowo Subianto’s administration. He stated the programme would continue because it is very beneficial for the community. ‘The MBG programme is a very good programme, especially for farmers, fishermen, traders, and others,’ Untung said. According to Untung, from an economic perspective, particularly the agricultural economy, it can also increase farmers’ incomes. ‘This MBG is also an extraordinary market platform, which means that with a programme like this, not only agricultural products can be absorbed, but also livestock and other products,’ Untung explained. A demonstrator named Purwati conveyed that the MBG programme is a good programme because children need free nutritious meals. ‘And for the employees involved in working on the MBG programme, they can earn an income to meet their family’s needs. Especially now, when finding a job is difficult,’ Purwati explained. Brebes Regent Paramitha Widya Kusuma promised that all the input previously conveyed by the protesters’ representatives would be accommodated. ‘Not only accommodated, but I will also convey it to President Prabowo,’ said Paramitha.