Pro-MBG Protesters Meet Deputy Minister, Offer Input on Free Nutritious Meals Programme
A group of demonstrators from the Indonesian Children’s Nutrition Fighters, who rallied in support of the Free Nutritious Meals (MBG) programme, met with Deputy Minister of State Secretariat Juri Ardiantoro at the Ministry of State Secretariat office in Central Jakarta. During the meeting, the group conveyed their aspirations backing the MBG programme.
“Alhamdulillah, we have been received by a government representative, namely the Deputy Minister of State Secretariat, representing President Prabowo and the Minister of State Secretariat. Alhamdulillah, our aspiration today, our peaceful action today, demands that the MBG programme continues. Yes. So, our focus today is to participate in overseeing and ensuring that this MBG programme is properly distributed throughout Indonesia,” said Action Coordinator Fahri at the Horse Statue area in Central Jakarta on Thursday (18/6/2026).
Fahri revealed that his group also provided several inputs on the implementation of the MBG to Juri. The inputs included a comprehensive evaluation to improve the governance of the MBG.
“The response was good, our input was well received. We are not just supporting, but we are also providing input. One of them, from a youth representative, was the need for controlling and a quick response if, for example, in any kitchen there is a substandard menu. A call centre, for instance. That was well received by the central government. Therefore, we consider this a good means of audience,” he said.
Fahri stated that his input was well received. He appreciated the government for opening a space for dialogue.
“Our demand is simply that we must continue to support this MBG programme because it is beneficial, and the government also provided input for the public to continue monitoring our kitchens. That’s it. We feel accepted. There was no rioting, no commotion, no provocation. Our aspirations were well received, and the government also opened a space for us to have an audience,” he said.
Earlier, the group calling itself the Indonesian Children’s Nutrition Fighters held a demonstration in the Horse Statue area of Central Jakarta. They demanded that the Free Nutritious Meals (MBG) programme be continued.
Based on detikcom’s observation at the location on Thursday (18/6/2026), the crowd gathered in the Horse Statue area from 1.30 p.m. WIB. They appeared to be wearing all-white clothing and carrying banners and posters of their demands.
“We, the Indonesian Children’s Nutrition Fighters, young men and women from all over Indonesia, are here to fully support President Prabowo Subianto’s programme. It is simple, ladies and gentlemen, all Indonesian people. President Prabowo has a good and noble aspiration: to provide nutritious food for Indonesia’s children,” said action coordinator Fahri at the location.