Prabowo Appreciates and Thanks Free Nutritious Meal Programme Officers in Remote Areas
President Prabowo Subianto has expressed deep appreciation and direct thanks to all officers of the Free Nutritious Meal (MBG) Programme who have been dedicated across all corners of Indonesia. This appreciation was given in recognition of their vital role in safeguarding the future of the nation’s generations through nutritional fulfilment.
The President made these remarks while attending the National Consolidation of the MBG Programme, initiated by the National Nutrition Agency (BGN) at the Sentul International Convention Centre (SICC), Bogor, West Java, on Wednesday. The event carried the theme “500 Billion Meals Challenge: Building Indonesia’s Future Generations Through Nutrition – An Inspiring Session”.
In front of thousands of participants, Prabowo specifically highlighted the hard work of officers operating in areas with heavy geographical challenges. He referred to them as the unsung heroes behind the success of this government priority programme.
“Thank you, brothers and sisters, for making it here. Thank you once again for your service in remote and difficult places. Thank you for your dedication and your loyalty,” said President Prabowo.
Participants in the consolidation included various implementing elements, ranging from heads of Nutrition Fulfilment Service Units (SPPG), nutritionists, supervisors, volunteers, cooks, and drivers, to strategic MBG partners.
The President emphasised that field implementers are the spearhead in ensuring Indonesian children have access to nutritious food. According to him, the success of this programme depends not only on central-level policies but is heavily determined by the integrity of officers on the ground. He reminded all parties that the MBG Programme is a great mandate that must be carried out with full responsibility, urging all ranks to maintain service quality and prioritise the interests of the people.
However, the programme is currently facing legal challenges. The Attorney General’s Office (Kejagung) has forcibly detained the former Head of the BGN, Dadan Hindayana, and two other officials in connection with alleged corruption regarding the 2025-2026 Free Nutritious Meal programme. The Attorney General’s Office conducted searches at several locations before naming the former BGN Head, along with deputies Lodewyk Pusung and Sonny Sanjaya, as suspects.
In response to the legal developments, the Minister of State Secretary, Prasetyo Hadi, affirmed that the government respects the legal process regarding the searches conducted by the Attorney General’s Office at the National Nutrition Agency offices.