Prabowo Unbothered if Wealthy Children's Families Reject Free Nutritious Meals

President Prabowo Subianto does not take issue with wealthy individuals rejecting the Free Nutritious Meals (MBG) programme. He is aware that some schools, typically attended by children from affluent families, have declined participation in MBG. Prabowo stressed that he will not force anyone to accept the programme. He explained that the purpose of MBG is to ensure that schoolchildren in Indonesia become strong, diligent in their studies, and enthusiastic about attending school. “If children from wealthy families do not need it, that’s fine, no one is forced. But we want our children to be strong, we want our children to be enthusiastic, we want our children to be smart,” he said during a visit to the Nelayan Village in Gorontalo on Saturday (9/5/2026). He emphasised that the programme is prioritised for children who truly need it. According to him, the government aims to ensure that the younger generation receives adequate nutrition to grow healthily and learn effectively. He also clarified that the programme is not imposed on anyone. In addition to discussing MBG, Prabowo addressed the digitalisation of education in Gorontalo. He inquired with local leaders about the distribution of “smart screens” in schools. According to Prabowo, starting this year, every school will receive an additional three smart screen units. With this addition, he hopes that by the end of the year, all schools will have at least four classrooms equipped with interactive digital facilities. “Eventually, all classrooms will have those smart screens, brothers and sisters. Teachers in remote areas can be assisted from the centre, with lessons, syllabi, and teaching materials provided in real time,” said Prabowo. He also mentioned that the central government will be able to monitor teaching and learning activities directly from Jakarta, including teachers’ attendance in regional schools. “We can monitor all classes from Jakarta. If a teacher doesn’t show up, we can see it,” he said.