Jusuf Hamka: Free Nutritious Meals Programme Creates Many Jobs

Jakarta, VIVA – Prominent Chinese-Muslim figure Jusuf Hamka, also known as Baba Alun, has dismissed claims that the Free Nutritious Meals (MBG) programme is killing micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs).

He argued that the MBG programme, initiated by President Prabowo Subianto, has in fact delivered many positive impacts for Indonesia’s economic growth, including the creation of numerous jobs for the public.

“I think that view is misguided. With MBG, many jobs have been created,” he said, as quoted on Monday, 16 February 2026.

Furthermore, he noted that MSMEs have been acting as the primary catalyst in empowering cooperatives that serve as suppliers of raw materials for MBG, such as eggs, chicken, fish, meat, milk and vegetables.

“Egg farmers, chicken farmers, fish — all meat products — everything gets purchased. Vegetables also get purchased,” he said.

Although not yet perfect, Jusuf Hamka said MBG must become a collective focus for improving quality, oversight, collaboration and mechanism adjustments. In doing so, the programme can run well and hit its targets going forward.

“Perhaps it is not yet perfect at the moment, but as I say, let us work together to perfect it,” he said.

Jusuf Hamka also called on all Indonesians to continue supporting the government’s programmes in opening more jobs and absorbing new workers.

“Let us support government programmes, because the government is not only about MBG — it is also about absorbing our people into the workforce,” he said.

He also reminded the public that the Indonesian government continues to pursue various strategic policies to bring prosperity and welfare to the people through priority programmes.

“The government is seeking the right formula to bring prosperity and welfare to its people,” he said.

Previously, Deputy Head of the National Nutrition Agency (BGN) Sony Sonjaya stated that the Free Nutritious Meals programme holds strategic value in determining the future direction of the Indonesian nation.

“Among the flagship programmes, this (MBG) ranks at the very top, because at every event and activity, President Prabowo Subianto consistently raises the issue of nutritious meals,” he said.

He explained that when the President speaks about MBG at various state functions, it is not merely out of pride in a programme, but rather because it carries great value concerning the nation’s future.