Prabowo Again Hits Out at Those Opposing Free Nutritious Meals Programme

President Prabowo Subianto has again highlighted opposition to the Free Nutritious Meals (MBG) programme. Prabowo stressed that hunger and improving nutrition are among the main issues that must be urgently addressed in Indonesia. He made the remarks during his speech at the 17th National Farmers’ and Fishers’ Week (Penas) in Gorontalo on Wednesday (24/6/2026). He was momentarily distracted by a group of people unfurling a banner reading ‘Continue MBG’. ‘Be patient, yes. I have to finish my speech. Those children, yes,’ Prabowo said, looking towards the group. Prabowo then addressed those who disagree with the MBG programme. He urged that group to ask farmers, fishers, and children for their opinions. ‘There are also those who don’t agree with MBG. Those who don’t agree with MBG should come here, yes. Ask the farmers and fishers, is MBG needed or not? Ask the children, is MBG needed or not?’ Prabowo said. He mocked intellectuals whom he described as blind to the problem, saying they claim there are more urgent matters than an empty stomach. ‘Supposedly there are clever people who say there are things more urgent than a hungry stomach. I think there is nothing more urgent than a hungry stomach. A person with a hungry stomach, if not fed soon, will die,’ he said. Prabowo referred to UN data predicting a global hunger crisis. On the other hand, he continued, Indonesia has managed to export food. ‘And the UN has already predicted that this year world hunger will be massive. Two years ago, around 300 million people were starving in the world. It is estimated that now it has increased to 500 million, yes? 700 million. The FAO is giving a warning. And brothers and sisters, alhamdulillah, we have now started to export,’ he said. Prabowo also spoke candidly about parties opposing his administration. In front of the farmers and fishers, Prabowo said he was not overly concerned if people took issue with his delivery. He stated there are certain parties who do not want Indonesia to rise, especially during his leadership era. ‘We will rise to become a great nation. There are always those who do not want us to rise. There are. We already know who they are. Yes, right,’ Prabowo said. He continued that speaking in front of farmers and fishers requires a loud voice to be heard. He then mimicked a softer speaking style. ‘But with farmers and fishers, you have to speak loudly. True, or not? If you speak softly, you won’t listen. Right, yes?’ Prabowo said. ‘Ladies and gentlemen, development must be carried out properly. Farmers and fishers must work hard, must work hard and should not ask for huge profits, yes. And we all hope that one day, in the future, the wealth enjoyed by a handful of people will slowly trickle down,’ Prabowo said, mimicking a gentler speaking style while sneering. His antics immediately drew laughter from the audience. He joked that his actions would be highlighted, but he did not mind because, according to him, the people must know his true feelings. ‘Eh, sorry, sorry. Try to delete, delete. Eh, friend, yes, our journalists are solid, yes. Try that kind of thing. Later I’ll get hammered again. Do I care? At this point, let’s just speak plainly. You prefer to know my heart, right? Rather than talking all politely. Polite but still a thief, polite but corrupt,’ Prabowo continued.