Prabowo Issues Stern Warning: Free Nutritious Meal Programme is Sacred, Not for Personal Enrichment
President Prabowo Subianto has issued a stern warning to partners of the Nutrition Fulfilment Service Unit (SPPG) to execute the Free Nutritious Meal (MBG) programme properly and ensure it does not become a means for individuals to enrich themselves.
Prabowo even called on dishonest SPPG partners to return to the right path and admit if they have committed errors in the implementation of the MBG.
“The issue of food is a sacred issue. Food for the needy must not become a tool for certain individuals to enrich themselves. Food is the easiest thing to corrupt,” said Prabowo during the National Consolidation of the MBG Programme, initiated by the National Nutrition Agency (BGN) at the Sentul International Convention Centre (SICC), Bogor, West Java, on Wednesday.
He stated that the MBG plays a vital role in ensuring nutritional intake for Indonesian children and preventing malnutrition, which is a key factor in stunting. The programme’s implementation is driven by the fact that several regions still face high malnutrition rates, with the President highlighting areas where over 20 per cent, approaching 30 per cent, of children suffer from nutritional deficiencies.
He noted that the government is continuously monitoring the implementation of the MBG, and that the involvement of personnel from the Financial and Development Supervisory Agency (BPKP), the Corruption Eradication Commission (KPK), and the Attorney General’s Office (Kejagung) could be increased to ensure this priority programme runs smoothly.
“We must strengthen law enforcement. Because I do not want the Unitary State of the Republic of Indonesia (NKRI) to be insulted, and I do not want the Government of the Republic of Indonesia to be disrespected. I do not want the people’s money to be stolen, and there will be no exceptions,” said Prabowo.
On this occasion, he also emphasised that the MBG, managed by the BGN, is a mandate that must be carried out with full responsibility to ensure benefits reach the community.
“Providing food is a noble task for us and it must succeed; it will succeed, and you are an important part of it. But, if you do not want to work well, you must step aside. If you do not want to, please step aside. The important thing is that the interests of the people come above all else,” Prabowo added.
Furthermore, the Head of State expressed his appreciation to all officers and SPPG partners who have implemented the MBG programme, including those working in areas with geographical challenges and remote regions. For Prabowo, the success of the MBG programme is determined not only by good policy but also by the dedication and integrity of those on the ground.
Consequently, Prabowo urged all ranks to continue working with a spirit of service, maintaining service quality, and placing the interests of the people as the top priority. This national consolidation was attended by approximately 12,173 participants and 5,873 partners involved in the implementation of the MBG programme across various regions in Indonesia.