Prabowo Complains of Being Attacked Over Free Nutritious Meals Programme

Jakarta, CNBC Indonesia — President Prabowo Subianto delivered remarks at a Plenary Cabinet Session at the State Palace in Central Jakarta on Monday (20/7/2026). The entire cabinet, along with the president’s special envoys who form part of the Red and White Cabinet, were in attendance.

In his address, Prabowo spoke about one of his administration’s key programmes, the Free Nutritious Meal (MBG) scheme.

“I am being attacked because I want to provide nutritious meals for Indonesia’s children, to feed Indonesian children, for pregnant mothers, for the elderly — and it’s seen as wasteful,” he said.

“Yet thousands of trillions that evaporate and leave Indonesian soil every year for 34 years draw no comment, no protest from experts, no investigation,” he continued.

Prabowo explained that the MBG programme aims to address the stunting problem afflicting many children across the country.

“We want to feed our children when clearly at least a quarter of them are stunted, and many others barely eat at all — and we’re accused of wastefulness,” Prabowo said.

“We’re told the economy will collapse, share prices will plummet, the currency will weaken — all on the grounds that we are being extravagant,” added the chairman of the Great Indonesia Movement Party.