PKB Instructs Cadres to Open Dialogue with Students on Free Nutritious Meals and Village Cooperatives
PKB Deputy Chairman Faisol Riza has instructed the party’s regional leadership councils (DPC) to open dialogue with university students regarding the president’s priority programmes, including Free Nutritious Meals (MBG) and the Merah Putih Village Cooperatives (KDMP). Faisol spoke of the likelihood that many students have not yet received adequate explanations about these programmes.
“Students are an intellectual group that plays a crucial role in safeguarding democracy. PKB believes that all of us, including our student friends, can understand that the substance of this government programme is our collective need at present,” Faisol told journalists on Thursday (18/6/2026).
“PKB views criticism of MBG and KDMP as a message to the government that over nearly one and a half years, the food security programme, the development of a superior generation, and the strengthening of the people’s economy have not been evenly communicated to student circles,” he added.
Faisol stated that the government’s programmes are certainly aligned with efforts to confront global geopolitical changes, one of which is providing guaranteed food availability for all Indonesian people.
Nevertheless, the Deputy Minister of Industry said PKB is not turning a blind eye to various reports of irregularities and legal violations related to the implementation of these programmes.
“From the governance and technocratic side, it certainly requires a great deal of correction and refinement. The detention of the head of the National Nutrition Agency (BGN) some time ago proves the government is not closing its eyes to legal violations. We continue to monitor and oversee it until everything can be implemented transparently in accordance with the rule of law,” he remarked.
“For this reason, the PKB Central Executive Board (DPP) instructs all PKB DPCs to conduct productive dialogues with student friends on campuses in their respective regencies and cities. As part of the governing coalition, PKB is obliged to substantially explain President Prabowo’s priority programmes,” he continued.
According to him, these discussions are important for building a shared view of the situation facing the Indonesian nation, both abroad and domestically, while also understanding the steps that can be taken jointly between the government and community groups to overcome various obstacles.
“Hold discussions openly to hear suggestions for improving and perfecting these various priority programmes. We are confident that Gen Z, who now make up many university students, have constructive views that can help the government refine the implementation of these programmes,” he said.
“Differences of opinion must continue to be safeguarded. But we also need to strengthen national unity in overcoming the various problems that will keep coming,” he concluded.