Prabowo on MBG Opponents: Hungry People Will Die If Not Fed

President Prabowo Subianto has highlighted opposition to the Free Nutritious Meals (MBG) programme, urging those who disagree to seek the opinions of farmers, fishermen, and the children who benefit from it. He made the remarks while attending the XVII National Farmers and Fishermen’s Week (PENAS) in Gorontalo Regency on Wednesday, 24 June 2026.

“There are also those who do not agree with MBG. They should come here. Ask the farmers, ask the fishermen, is MBG needed or not? Ask the children, is it needed or not?” Prabowo said in his speech.

The President then addressed a group of intellectuals who had argued that there are more urgent matters than an empty stomach. Prabowo disagreed with this view. “Some clever people say there are things more critical than an empty stomach. I think there is nothing more critical than an empty stomach. A person with an empty stomach, if it is not filled soon, will die,” he stated.

He then referred to United Nations data indicating that a global hunger problem is imminent. “The UN has already predicted that this year, world hunger will be massive. Two years ago, around 300 million people were starving worldwide. It is now estimated to have increased to 500 million, 700 million. The FAO has given a warning,” Prabowo concluded.