Jakarta Rally Demands Continuation of Free Nutritious Meals Programme and Corruption Crackdown

A group of demonstrators held a rally on Jalan Medan Merdeka Selatan, Monas, Central Jakarta, on Wednesday (17/6/2026), to support the continuation of the Free Nutritious Meals (MBG) programme and to urge President Prabowo to thoroughly investigate corruption within the initiative. The crowd, part of the East Jakarta Community Alliance, was predominantly dressed in white. The protest proceeded peacefully under the supervision of security forces. Participants carried posters and banners with messages such as ‘MBG creates jobs’ and ‘The people stand with Prabowo’. “The main objective is to continue MBG. Secondly, arrest the corruptors. Those are the main demands,” said one protester. In addition to voicing support for the programme, they emphasised that improving its governance is more necessary than stopping a scheme they consider highly beneficial to the public. In their statement, the East Jakarta Community Alliance expressed full support for the continuation of MBG and the government’s commitment to eradicating corruption. They also declared their readiness to oversee various government priority programmes to ensure the benefits are widely felt by the community.