Prabowo Explains Rationale Behind Free Nutritious Meal Programme at Russia's EEF Forum

Russia, VIVA – President Prabowo Subianto has shared the reasoning behind the implementation of the Free Nutritious Meal (MBG) programme during the 11th Eastern Economic Forum (EEF) in Vladivostok, Russia.

The Head of State explained that the programme is part of the government’s efforts to improve public welfare and assist millions of citizens in escaping poverty.

Prabowo made these remarks during his speech at the 11th EEF in Vladivostok on Thursday, 3 August 2026. In his address, Prabowo first reviewed the forum’s theme, ‘The Far East: Development for the Benefit of People’.

He asserted that development in a nation should not be enjoyed by only a few, but its benefits must be felt by the wider community.

“That is the meaning of ‘Development for the Benefit of People’ for Indonesia: the greatest good for the greatest number. Development must not only benefit a small group of people,” said Prabowo.

However, he argued that development should be measured at the dining tables of ordinary families. He expressed hope that a nation’s development could meet all the needs of its people, including the provision of nutritious food for children.

“Development must be measured at the dining tables of ordinary families. Whether children receive nutritious food, whether farmers can obtain fertiliser and sell their produce at a fair price, whether families can live in decent housing,” Prabowo stated.

Prabowo noted that the theme of the EEF aligns with several policies implemented by the Indonesian government, one of which is the MBG programme aimed at children and pregnant women.

“This is why Indonesia provides free nutritious meals for all our children and for pregnant women,” he said.

In addition to meeting nutritious food needs, Prabowo stated that the government is also striving to encourage rapid economic growth while providing direct benefits to the community. He emphasised that economic growth should not merely chase figures, but must be capable of improving the people’s standard of living.

“This is why we are striving for faster economic growth. Not growth for the sake of growth, but growth that can lift millions of people out of poverty towards a dignified life,” he concluded.