Prabowo: If Children of the Wealthy Don't Need MBG, That's Fine

President Prabowo Subianto stated that he does not wish to impose the free nutritious meal (MBG) programme on those who do not require it. Prabowo remarked that it is no problem if any beneficiaries feel they do not need MBG.

He expressed this stance during a visit to Gorontalo upon his return from the 48th ASEAN Summit in the Philippines. Prabowo initially inquired whether schools in Gorontalo had received MBG.

“Any that haven’t? Note them down, anyway, this year all schools that feel they need it will be provided with MBG,” said the Chairman of the Gerindra Party in Gorontalo on Saturday, 9 May 2026, as broadcast by the Presidential Secretariat.

On the other hand, Prabowo said it is fine if some do not want MBG. “Those who don’t need it, no problem, right? If children of wealthy people don’t need it, no problem, correct? No forcing,” said the former defence minister.

Before going to Gorontalo, Prabowo first stopped at Miangas Island. Prabowo visited Miangas after attending the 48th ASEAN Summit in Cebu, Philippines.

The Prabowo administration continues to accelerate the realisation of the MBG project for around 82 million beneficiaries. This programme is Prabowo’s flagship initiative that he promised during the 2024 presidential election.