Claim of 1 Million Volunteers Falls Flat as Only Hundreds Attend Pro-MBG Rally

Hundreds of people staged a demonstration on Jalan Medan Merdeka Selatan in Central Jakarta on Wednesday afternoon (8/7/2026) to voice their support for the continuation of the Free Nutritious Meals (MBG) programme. Based on Republika’s observation, the crowd carried various protest paraphernalia, including flags and banners expressing backing for President Prabowo Subianto’s priority initiative.

As of around 1.30 p.m. Western Indonesia Time, the demonstrators were delivering speeches on Jalan Medan Merdeka Selatan, directly in front of the Transjakarta Balai Kota bus stop heading towards Gambir. The crowd claimed they intended to march to the National Nutrition Agency (BGN) office but were blocked by police officers on guard.

One speaker stated that the action was aimed at ensuring the MBG programme continues. The speaker noted that many MBG kitchens had already been built but were not yet operational. “We have built the kitchens, but they are still not operating,” the speaker said from atop a command vehicle.

The speaker argued that the construction was solely to support the government programme. However, the speaker criticised the National Nutrition Agency for not involving partners in policy-making, including the decision to suspend the MBG programme during the current holiday period. “If MBG is halted, 1.5 million people will lose their jobs. The state must be present,” the speaker said.