Prabowo to Labour Crowd: Is MBG Beneficial or Not?

In Jakarta, at the 2026 May Day celebration stage, Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto emphasised that the Free Nutritious Meals (MBG) programme is extremely important for Indonesian society, particularly for children. “I ask you all, is MBG beneficial or not? MBG is very important for our children,” said Prabowo at the International Labour Day event at Monas Field, Jakarta, on Friday (1/5/2026). Prabowo stated that many Indonesian children still suffer from malnutrition. “My fellow citizens, many of our children are malnourished. Their bodies are small, their cells do not develop,” he said. “With MBG, our economy comes alive everywhere, my fellow citizens. The people need eggs, the people need meat, the people need vegetables, milk, fish. Our economy thrives, our farmers get income, my fellow citizens,” he added. Indonesia’s economy also revolves around the MBG programme. “This money circulates everywhere, Indonesia becomes stronger, Indonesia becomes more prosperous, my fellow citizens,” he stated. This year’s May Day celebration was once again held at Monas Field, like the previous year’s event. Prabowo Subianto took the podium accompanied by labour organisation elites, namely Said Iqbal, Andi Gani Nena Wea, Jumhur Hidayat who is also the Minister of Environment, and Elly Rosita Silaban. Ministers, heads of high state institutions, heads of state agencies, Jakarta Governor Pramono Anung, up to National Police Chief General Listyo Sigit Prabowo and TNI Commander General Agus Subianto attended the event.