Indonesian President Acknowledges Problems with Free Nutrition Programme: 'We Must Address Them!'

REPUBLIKA.CO.ID, NGANJUK – The Indonesian President affirmed that the Free Nutrition Programme (MBG) and the Red and White Village Cooperatives will stimulate the Indonesian economy. He stated that village heads and regents have honestly begun to experience the benefits of the MBG programme, and this will be further enhanced when the Red and White Village Cooperatives become fully operational.

“In the future, they will experience even greater benefits. Yes, there are many problems, and yes, there are many challenges. The MBG has many problems; we must bring order to Indonesia; we understand this,” said the President during a speech at the inauguration of the operationalisation of 1,061 Red and White Village Cooperatives in Nganjuk Regency, East Java, Saturday (16/5/2026).

According to him, the problems that arise in government programmes must be bravely addressed. The issues that emerge in relation to government programmes must indeed be resolved. “We must be willing to discuss the fact that many of our leaders lack the strength of character, integrity, and faith, and when dealing with money, they forget,” said President Prabowo Subianto.

He continued that any village head or regent/mayor who violates the rules will be punished severely. “But I have said that my government will not hesitate to take action against anyone who violates, deviates, or abuses their authority. We will take action, we will remove them from their positions,” said Prabowo.