Prabowo Vows to Continue Free Nutritious Meal Programme with Improvements

President Prabowo Subianto has affirmed that he will continue the Free Nutritious Meals (MBG) programme, albeit with improvements and efficiency measures.

He made the remarks during the Annual Session of the People’s Consultative Assembly (MPR) and the Joint Session of the House of Representatives (DPR) and the Regional Representatives Council (DPD) at the Parliamentary Complex in Senayan, Central Jakarta, on Friday, 14 August 2026.

Prabowo explained that the Free Nutritious Meals programme was implemented to address the problem of stunting among Indonesian children.

“But that is the reality we have found, and we are implementing this MBG programme to overcome it — to tackle the stunting still experienced by our children in some areas at rates as high as 25 percent,” Prabowo said.

He noted that one in four Indonesian children suffers from stunting, which prevents their brains and muscle cells from developing properly.

Under such conditions, Prabowo argued, these children would not be capable of working as farmers or even as port labourers.

“To work as a dockworker alone, he may not be able. To be a farmer, even a farm labourer, he may also not be able,” he explained.

Prabowo stressed that he does not want any Indonesian children to suffer from stunting. He therefore remains determined to continue the MBG programme.

“We must not accept that one in four Indonesian children suffers from stunting. We must not accept that, and for that reason, I am determined to continue the MBG programme, but with improvements and with efficiency,” Prabowo concluded.