Prabowo: Corruption in Free Nutritious Meals Programme is Inhumane

President Prabowo Subianto has stressed that the Free Nutritious Meals (MBG) programme is not merely a food distribution scheme, but part of efforts to build the quality of Indonesia’s human resources from an early age. He therefore strongly condemned those who commit corruption using the budget for children’s food.

“I consider those who would corrupt money meant for feeding children to be barbaric people. These are people who do not deserve our respect,” Prabowo said in his speech at the Annual Session of the MPR and the Joint Session of the DPR and DPD in Jakarta on Friday (14/8).

Prabowo said human development is the most decisive foundation for Indonesia’s future. These efforts, he said, must begin with the most basic need: fulfilling children’s nutrition.

He argued that children who study while hungry will not be able to absorb education properly. This problem remains a reality for some Indonesian children who have not received adequate food intake.

“No child of ours should study while hungry. No child can learn well if he or she is hungry,” he said.

Prabowo linked the MBG programme to efforts to tackle stunting still experienced by Indonesian children. He noted that stunting prevalence in several regions still reaches 25 percent, or around one in four Indonesian children.

According to him, stunting not only affects a child’s physical condition, but also the development of the brain, muscles and bones. These impacts can ultimately affect a child’s abilities when they reach adulthood and enter the workforce.

“Even to become a port labourer, he may not be capable. To become a farmer, even a farm labourer, he may also not be capable,” Prabowo said.

Therefore, Prabowo affirmed that the government will continue the MBG programme, but with improvements and efficiency. He also stressed the importance of oversight so that the programme does not become an opening for corruption.

Prabowo even described the act of profiting from children’s food as a deed that has lost all humanitarian value.

“In my view, this has completely lost any sense of humanity,” he asserted.

In his speech, Prabowo then introduced Christina Beno, a sixth-grade primary school pupil from Merauke, South Papua. He said MBG has helped Christina become fitter, more focused and more diligent in attending school.

Christina’s story, according to Prabowo, shows that a single portion of food that appears simple can have great meaning for children in need. The food becomes a source of energy for learning as well as protein intake for physical growth.

Prabowo said tens of millions of people have now received MBG. He expressed hope that the programme will help Indonesian children grow up healthy and intelligent so they have a better future.

He also invited everyone present to give applause for Christina and other Indonesian children. Prabowo also affirmed the state’s commitment to be present for pregnant women and the elderly.

“The state is with you, the state will be present with you. That is the promise of all of us in this assembly,” Prabowo said.