Prabowo Asks Workers on May Day: Is the Free Nutritious Meals Programme Beneficial or Not?

President Prabowo Subianto asked workers about the usefulness of the Free Nutritious Meals (MBG) programme. He stressed that this flagship initiative is crucial for future generations.

Prabowo conveyed this during a speech in front of the May Day action crowd at Monas, Central Jakarta, on Friday (1/5/2026). He assured that his government provides social protection to low-income communities.

“We are also providing very substantial social protection. This year, we are allocating Rp 500 trillion for low-income citizens,” Prabowo stated in his speech.

“We are also providing MBG. I ask you all, is MBG beneficial or not?” Prabowo asked, met with responses from the worker crowd.

Prabowo emphasised the importance of fulfilling nutrition for children to combat stunting. On the other hand, he mentioned that MBG also revitalises the economic sector.

“MBG is very important for our children. Many of our children suffer from malnutrition, with small bodies and underdeveloped cells. With MBG, our economy comes alive everywhere,” he said.

Prabowo stated that the economic impact of the MBG programme is felt even by farmers. He is optimistic that this programme will advance Indonesia.

“The people need eggs, meat, vegetables, milk, fish; our economy comes alive, farmers get income, brothers and sisters. This money circulates everywhere. Indonesia becomes more prosperous,” Prabowo remarked.