Prabowo Wants MBG to Focus on Malnourished Children, Expert: It Can Prevent Waste

Jakarta - Public policy expert from the University of Indonesia, Eko Prasojo, assesses that President Prabowo Subianto’s desire for the free nutritious meal (MBG) programme to focus on undernourished children and low-income groups is the right decision. He stated that this measured step for the MBG programme will prevent state budget wastage. “This is to prevent leftover food, budget wastage, and the failure to achieve the MBG’s impact in reducing stunting among children,” Eko told Kompas.com on Tuesday (14/4/2026). He added that this decision will provide clarity to the MBG targets, shifting from a comprehensive approach to a more measured one. To support this transition from a universal to a focused programme, Eko suggests that the data basis should be taken from the smallest regional levels such as villages and sub-districts for greater validity. Eko also hopes that BGN can collaborate with local governments, including education departments and schools. “Several local governments like Surabaya City and Sumedang Regency already have valid data on poor families, vulnerable mothers, and children experiencing stunting,” Eko explained. “So, children from affluent families do not need MBG because their parents can already provide good nutritious food at home,” said Nanik. The President also emphasised that distribution should not be forced. Students from capable families are not required to receive the assistance. Nanik assesses that a needs-based approach is key to the programme’s effectiveness. “We want to ensure MBG is on target and provides real impact. Therefore, supervision and evaluation will continue to be strengthened so that this programme runs optimally,” he stated. To realise this, BGN has prepared a special optimisation team that will work in the near future.