Prabowo on Continuing MBG: Nothing Is More Urgent Than an Empty Stomach

An interesting moment occurred when President Prabowo Subianto attended the Peak of the 17th National Farmers and Fishermen Week 2026 in Gorontalo on Wednesday (24/6/2026). While delivering his speech, a group of people unfurled a white banner reading ‘Continue MBG’.

Seeing this, Prabowo revealed that there are also people who disagree with the MBG programme. ‘Those who disagree with MBG should come here. Ask these farmers and fishermen, is MBG necessary or not? Ask the children, is MBG necessary or not?’ said the head of state.

‘Apparently there are clever people who say there are things more urgent than an empty stomach. I think there is nothing more urgent than an empty stomach! A person with an empty stomach, if not fed immediately, will die!’ he continued.

According to Prabowo, the UN has stated that world hunger would be massive last year. The number of victims is estimated to reach 700 million people. ‘And brothers and sisters, alhamdulillah we have now started exporting, we are now helping other countries,’ said Prabowo.

Furthermore, Prabowo recounted being telephoned by Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese. Albanese requested fertiliser from Indonesia. ‘I said sell it, send it to them. Many countries are asking for fertiliser from us. Many other countries are asking for rice from us, corn from us. Go ahead, as long as the price is right, Minister of Agriculture. Farmers must not lose out,’ said Prabowo.