Prabowo vows to continue MBG program with greater efficiency

“I am determined to continue the MBG program with improvements and efficiencies,” Prabowo said during his State of the Nation Address in Jakarta.

He made the statement at the 2026 Annual Session of the People’s Consultative Assembly (MPR) and a joint session of the House of Representatives (DPR) and Regional Representatives Council (DPD).

Prabowo said developing human capital was crucial to Indonesia’s future and must begin by meeting basic needs, particularly adequate nutrition.

“We start with the most fundamental aspect: nutrition. Our children must not study while hungry. No child can learn effectively if they are hungry,” he said.

The president said the MBG program aims to address malnutrition, which continues to affect children in several parts of Indonesia.

Prabowo said malnutrition prevalence in some areas remained as high as 25 percent, meaning roughly one in four children was affected.

He said the situation could not continue because malnutrition can impair the development of children’s brain cells, muscles and bones.

“We cannot accept a situation where one in four Indonesian children suffers from stunting. We cannot accept that,” Prabowo said.

Prabowo therefore reaffirmed the government’s commitment to continue the MBG program while improving its implementation and efficiency.

The MPR, DPR and DPD held their annual and joint sessions on Friday as part of events marking Indonesia’s 81st Independence Anniversary under the theme “A Sovereign, Just and Prosperous Indonesia.”

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Translator: Fathur Rochman, Cindy Frishanti Octavia