Prabowo's Statement on Continuing the Free Nutritious Meals Programme
President Prabowo Subianto has assured that the free nutritious meals (MBG) programme will continue amid budget efficiencies resulting from the global crisis. According to him, savings can be focused on other sectors.
Prabowo’s affirmation was delivered during a discussion session with journalists and observers, broadcast on the Prabowo Subianto YouTube channel on Sunday (22/3/2026). Prabowo was initially asked about the sustainability of the MBG programme amid the Middle East crisis situation, particularly considering the cost-benefit analysis of the programme.
In response, Prabowo emphasised that he would maintain the MBG programme to fulfil nutrition for the people. He reiterated that he had encountered many stunted children during his campaign.
“I will hold on as much as possible rather than having money corrupted. It’s better for my people to eat. Haven’t you seen the stunted children? I have seen them. During my campaigns in the villages so many times. I saw a child, ‘how old are you?’ 11 years old. His body is like a 4-year-old child,” said Prabowo.
The Gerindra Chairman is confident that the steps he has taken are correct. Prabowo is optimistic that the state budget is sufficient to continue the MBG programme.
“I am absolutely certain that I am on the right path. We have the money. We have the money. I stake my leadership; in 2029, we will see,” he stated.
Many Ways to Save
He emphasised that the global crisis, including the conflict in the Middle East, is not a reason to stop the MBG programme. According to him, there are still many other sectors that can be saved without sacrificing that strategic programme.
“So don’t go towards, okay, there’s a crisis, then we stop MBG. Right? There are still many other ways we can save. There are still many,” he said.
Prabowo stated that similar programmes are now adopted by more than 100 countries. Indonesia is the 77th country to start the programme.
Prabowo even revealed that the MBG programme has received attention from international institutions, including the Rockefeller Institute and the UN’s World Food Programme (WFP). Based on their studies, every dollar invested in the programme can yield multiplied benefits, both in the short and long term.
“I was visited by the Rockefeller Institute from the United States who came to check our SPPG, and he came to me, he said, ‘This is the best investment, Mr. President, you have made the best.’ Do you know why? Because one dollar spent on MBG returns between 7 and 35; in the long run 35, in the short run 7 dollars, and this is from the Rockefeller Institute. This is also from the World Food Programme of the UN,” he said.
“So this is strategic, this is for our human capital. So there are still many real savings that we can make. We have exercised, we have made savings in many fields,” he continued.
Strict Action Against Violations
Nevertheless, he acknowledged that there are still various shortcomings in the field implementation. The government, he said, has taken action against several violations, including closing more than a thousand service points that do not meet standards.
“That there are shortcomings, we take action. I have said there are more than 1,000 that we have closed. Right?” he said.
Furthermore, he highlighted the economic inequality still felt by the majority of society. According to him, the MBG programme is very meaningful for groups that have not enjoyed even economic growth so far, especially in areas outside Java Island which are still very much in need of such support.
“So I think we are a strong country. I don’t want to sugarcoat it, I don’t want to make it sound good. We are ready for the worst… but our people have been too long without enjoying the benefits of our economy. Too long,” he said.
“The top 10-20% maybe enjoy it. But most of us have had very difficult lives all this time. Can you imagine how happy they are to receive it? If it’s the children of rich people in Menteng, they don’t need this,” he added.