Pekanbaru Mayor Supports Continuation of Free Nutritious Meal Programme

Pekanbaru Mayor Agung Nugroho has expressed his support for the continuation of the Free Nutritious Meal (MBG) programme, a national strategic initiative. The support was conveyed by Agung during the 18th National Working Forum of the Association of Indonesian City Governments (APEKSI) held in Medan on Thursday, 2 July 2026. During the forum, which was attended by regional heads from across Indonesia, Agung recommended that the national strategic programme be continued due to its impact on improving human resources and stimulating economic turnover in Pekanbaru. “Through this 18th APEKSI National Working Forum, we from Pekanbaru also wish to add a recommendation. Pekanbaru, as the Minister of Home Affairs often mentions, has seen an increase in locally generated revenue (PAD) of more than IDR 400 billion. We must be accountable for that. We recommend that this national MBG programme must be continued,” said Agung. Agung stated that the MBG programme has led to an improvement in human resources and economic turnover in Pekanbaru. The programme has resulted in the recruitment of new workers employed in the MBG kitchens (SPPG), thereby increasing the absorption of new labour. “One of the reasons for the increase in PAD is the reduction in unemployment. Women who were previously unemployed are now working, and they can shop independently because they have a salary. This creates economic turnover,” Agung explained. Therefore, the Pekanbaru City Government hopes that this national programme from President Prabowo Subianto will be continued. In addition to meeting children’s nutritional needs, the programme has also had a positive impact on economic growth in Pekanbaru.