Coordinating Minister Zulhas Commends Garuda Biru Foundation for Implementing Free Nutritious Meals Programme
The Salman Peduli Berkarya Foundation and Garuda Biru Foundation organised a technical briefing on food safety and breaking of fast attended by thousands of kitchen staff from Nutritional Fulfilment Service Units (SPPG) across the greater Jakarta area in Bekasi, West Java. The event also marked the 42nd anniversary of Nofalia, founder of both the Salman Peduli Berkarya and Garuda Biru Indonesia foundations.
Coordinating Minister for Food Zulkifli Hasan (Zulhas), Chief Secretary of the National Nutrition Body (BGN) Brigadier General (Retired) Sarwono, Chairman of the Forum Alumni Activists of the Islamic Students Association (FAAHMI) H Abdul Malik SE, and Lampung Regional Secretary H Wawan attended the event. Zulhas commended the activities of the Salman Peduli Berkarya and Garuda Biru Indonesia foundations in supporting President Prabowo Subianto’s free nutritious meals (MBG) programme.
According to Zulhas, during Ramadan 2026, the MBG programme continues with adjusted menus consisting of dry foods that students can take home. School activities held at pesantren (Islamic boarding schools) have been shifted from daytime to evening to ensure students receive adequate nutrition. Zulhas stressed that the MBG programme demonstrates that economic benefits are being realised across all segments of society, including the most vulnerable.
“The direction of national food policy is currently focused on returning economic sovereignty fully to the hands of the people. The food sector must serve as the primary foundation for development so that the meaning of independence can truly be felt by all layers of society,” said Zulhas in a press statement in Jakarta on Saturday (14 March 2026).
Zulhas also reflected on his lengthy support for President Prabowo, which has lasted 15 years. Despite navigating complex political dynamics, he stressed that the National Mandate Party’s (PAN) support for Prabowo has never wavered.
The former chair of the People’s Consultative Assembly (MPR) expressed admiration for Prabowo’s policies, which he said align closely with the nation’s founding ideals. According to Zulhas, Indonesia’s economy is now positioned as a means to achieve people’s welfare rather than merely pursuing growth figures.
“These programmes and policies are intended to realign our independence ideals. Article 33, Pancasila economics, people’s economic sovereignty, mutual cooperation,” he explained. He added that in Islamic teaching, prioritising the poor and disadvantaged groups aligns with the principle of theology al-ma’un (obligatory charity).