Kadin Praises Prabowo's Free Nutritious Meal Programme, Noting Benefits for Children in Remote Areas
The Indonesian Chamber of Commerce and Industry (Kadin) has expressed its appreciation for President Prabowo Subianto’s policies regarding the Free Nutritious Meal (MBG) programme and food security. These programmes are considered to provide tangible benefits, particularly for communities in villages and remote areas that have historically faced limited access to nutrition.
Mulyadi Jayabaya, Vice Chairman and Coordinator for the Food Sector at Kadin Indonesia, stated that these government programmes have delivered a positive impact on small communities and farmers. He shared these views during a meeting between Kadin representatives from across Indonesia and President Prabowo Subianto at the State Palace in Central Jakarta on Friday, 31 July 2026.
“There are school children in remote villages, Sir, who do not have breakfast or lunch. But with the MBG programme, President Prabowo’s initiative is extraordinary,” said Jayabaya.
Regarding food security, Jayabaya noted that the current administration’s policies are vital to ensuring the food requirements of approximately 280 million Indonesian residents can be met through increased domestic production. He encouraged the strengthening of high-quality seed supplies tailored to regional characteristics, improved access to financing for farmers, and the optimisation of the role of field agricultural extension officers. Such steps are deemed necessary to ensure continuous increases in productivity and farmer welfare.
Furthermore, Kadin assessed that the simplification of fertiliser distribution management has helped reduce the bureaucratic hurdles that previously made it difficult for farmers to obtain fertiliser. “The third point, Mr President, is fertiliser. The system has been changed now and it is much better. I spoke to you during your campaign about how difficult fertiliser was for farmers,” Jayabaya added.
Jayabaya also highlighted the significant potential for regional investment, including the development of industrial zones and the influx of garment industry investment into Lebak Regency, Banten. He believes that streamlined licensing, infrastructure support, and energy availability will further strengthen Indonesia’s attractiveness to global investors.
Jayabaya concluded that the President’s directives provide confidence to the business community to continue strengthening partnerships with the government. Kadin stated it is ready to support the government’s steps in achieving public welfare, saying, “This time, we are partnering with the government and we are ready to support President Prabowo’s initiatives.”