KSP Dudung: Those Who Reject Free Nutritious Meals Can Dialogue with Me

Chief of the Presidential Staff Office (KSP), General (Ret.) Dudung Abdurachman, has declared he is prepared to meet with parties who strongly oppose the Free Nutritious Meals (MBG) programme. Dudung also affirmed he would engage in dialogue with those rejecting the priority programme of President Prabowo Subianto. “Please, if there are those who reject the MBG, I will be able to dialogue with them,” Dudung told journalists at the Presidential Palace Complex in Central Jakarta on Friday, 26 June 2026. However, Dudung noted that his office has not yet received any request for dialogue from parties opposing the MBG. He said the government will remain open to receiving all suggestions and input for the improvement of the Free Nutritious Meals programme. “So far, none yet, but I will be open. The government will be open, even the President will be open to any suggestions and input,” he explained. Previously, President Prabowo Subianto highlighted those who disagree with the Free Nutritious Meals programme. He urged them to seek the opinions of farmers, fishermen, and the children who are the beneficiaries. Prabowo made these remarks while attending the XVII National Farmers and Fishermen Week (PENAS) in Gorontalo Regency on Wednesday, 24 June 2026. “There are also those who do not agree with the MBG. They should come here. Ask the farmers and fishermen, is the MBG needed or not? Ask the children, is the MBG needed or not?” Prabowo said in his speech. Prabowo then addressed intellectual groups who claim there are more pressing matters than an empty stomach. Prabowo disagreed with this view. “Some clever people say there are things more critical than a hungry stomach. I think there is nothing more critical than a hungry stomach. If a hungry person is not fed immediately, they will die,” he said. He then referred to UN data indicating that a global hunger crisis is imminent. “And the UN has predicted that this year, world hunger will be massive. Two years ago, around 300 million people were hungry worldwide. It is now estimated to have increased to 500 million, or 700 million. The FAO has given a warning,” Prabowo concluded.