Pigai Claims MBG Programme Has Reduced Inequality

BANDUNG, KOMPAS.com — Indonesian Minister of Justice and Human Rights Natalius Pigai has claimed that the Free Nutritious Meals (MBG) programme contributed to a reduction in economic inequality in Indonesia during the administration of President Prabowo Subianto and Vice President Gibran Rakabuming Raka.

According to Pigai, the indicator of this inequality reduction is visible in Indonesia’s Gini Index, which he described as the best in 15 years.

“During the Prabowo-Gibran administration, Indonesia’s Gini Index is the best in 15 years. We are now at 0.363,” Pigai said at the Human Rights Journalists Class event in Bandung, West Java, on Wednesday (20/5/2026).

He said the figure shows that the distribution of the economy is beginning to be more even across society.

“That means there is a distribution that is starting to spread across Indonesia. Because the MBG (Makan Bergizi Gratis) budget goes to the people, education, health,” he added.

Pigai said this statistical achievement cannot be manipulated and is an indicator that the distribution of social justice is starting to take place.

“People may criticise. But with this Gini Index, people’s purchasing power is starting to move. This is a statistical figure. It cannot be deceived,” he said.

He noted that Indonesia currently has food reserves of around 5 million tonnes, which is deemed sufficient to face global food shocks.

Moreover, Pigai emphasised that the government is currently placing great emphasis on economic, social, and cultural development in line with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

At the end of his presentation, Pigai urged the mass media to cooperate in building human rights in Indonesia.

“The press must not only be a pillar of democracy, but also a pillar of building a civilisation of human rights!” Pigai said.