Government Communications Body Explains Why Free Nutritious Meals Programme Cannot Be Halted

The Head of the Government Communications Agency (Bakom RI), Muhammad Qodari, has stated that the government under President Prabowo Subianto’s leadership will continue to implement the Free Nutritious Meal (MBG) programme.

Qodari explained that prior to his presidential candidacy two years ago, Prabowo presented his vision and mission to the public, which included several priority programmes, one of which is the Free Nutritious Meal (MBG). “The MBG programme cannot be requested to stop immediately. This is part of Mr Prabowo’s vision and political contract. President Prabowo was elected based on his proposed work programme, and therefore, these programmes cannot be halted,” Qodari said in a statement on Wednesday.

Furthermore, he noted that the MBG programme serves as a solution to the nutritional issues still faced by some children and toddlers in Indonesia, which have the potential to hinder their growth and development. Qodari acknowledged that the implementation of the MBG programme faces various challenges. However, he argued that these challenges should not serve as a reason to halt the programme, given the significant benefits it provides to the community.

Consequently, Qodari emphasised that the government remains open to discussion and welcomes public input to ensure better programme implementation. Additionally, the government is committed to continuously improving the governance of its execution. “It would be a great mistake to demand that Mr Prabowo stop the programme, as it is his campaign promise,” he explained.

Beyond the MBG, Qodari stated that various of President Prabowo’s work programmes are designed as solutions to various societal issues. He cited, for example, the government’s steps to stop fraudulent practices in the export of strategic natural resources and to increase state revenue through a single-door export mechanism. Furthermore, the government is expanding educational access for vulnerable groups through the ‘Sekolah Rakyat’ (SR) programme.

According to Qodari, the various policies implemented by Prabowo are part of a grand strategy for national transformation and an effort to resolve various issues facing the people. “When Mr Prabowo takes office, he will strive to implement these solutions. Give him the opportunity to carry them out,” he concluded.