Commission XI Calls on Public to Support Kopdes Merah Putih and Free Nutrition Programme
Jakarta - Mukhamad Misbakhun, Chairman of Commission XI of the House of Representatives, has called on the public to support and ensure the success of the Kopdes Merah Putih (Red-White Village Cooperative) programme and Makan Bergizi Gratis (MBG, Free Nutritious Food) initiative.
He expressed confidence that these two flagship programmes of President Prabowo Subianto’s administration would stimulate the economy and benefit future generations.
“Future generations of Indonesia must be equipped with adequate nutrition so they are capable of competing with neighbouring and developed countries. We must not fall behind in preparing the quality of our nation’s successor generation,” said Misbakhun in a statement released in Jakarta on Sunday.
Misbakhun made these remarks following meetings held at three locations in Probolinggo Regency on Saturday 28 February - in Pajarakan, Gending, and Leces subdistricts. These meetings were part of a public consultation activity conducted during the House of Representatives’ recess period from 20 February to 9 March 2026.
Regarding the MBG programme, Misbakhun emphasised that it reaches schoolchildren, Islamic boarding school students, pregnant women, and nursing mothers. This represents part of the state’s efforts to ensure that Indonesia’s future generation possesses good nutritional standards.
The legislator from the Commission on Finance and Banking explained that the budget allocation for MBG in 2026 reaches approximately 350 trillion rupiah. Misbakhun described this budget as part of a long-term national investment in developing future generations.
He stressed that the MBG programme has been designed through various considerations. Should there be shortcomings in MBG implementation, Misbakhun characterised this as normal because the programme is still new.
“What matters is that its noble purpose should not be damaged. Criticism is welcome, but it must be constructive,” he said.
Misbakhun rejected suggestions that MBG has eroded the education budget. According to him, the state provides equal opportunities for all Indonesian children.
“Whether from humble families or any background whatsoever, everyone has equal rights to access education and serve the nation according to their abilities and sincerity,” he stated.
For this reason, during meetings at each public consultation point, Misbakhun also conducted interactive dialogues. The aim was not only to provide explanation to constituents but also to gather input from voters to ensure that government programmes run well and succeed.
“Every input from villages I will champion. Government programmes must not only be strong in concept but also precise in implementation,” he said.
During the activity, he also explained the Kopdes Merah Putih programme, which is intended to serve as an instrument for stimulating rural economies.
“We hope this Red-White Village Cooperative will become the centre of village economic activity,” he said.
According to Misbakhun, the national economy is currently under pressure from global dynamics and international geopolitical developments.
To counter these fluctuations, he said, the Prabowo administration is working hard to build national economic stability, including strengthening village-level economies through the Kopdes Merah Putih programme.
He explained that the Kopdes Merah Putih programme involves Bank Rakyat Indonesia (BRI), Bank Mandiri, and Bank Tabungan Negara (BTN). Misbakhun noted that these financial institutions, which are members of the Association of State Banks (Himbara), already have networks extending to rural areas and will support Kopdes Merah Putih.
“So basic necessities, agricultural production inputs, and MSME products can circulate within the villages themselves. When village economies move, national growth follows,” he concluded.