Stressing Efficiency, Luhut Confident Free Nutritious Meal Programme Will Improve Within a Year

The Chairman of the National Economic Council (DEN), Luhut Binsar Pandjaitan, believes that the implementation of the Free Nutritious Meal (MBG) programme will continue to improve over the next six months to one year.

“I am confident that in six months, and one year from now, it will certainly be much better,” Luhut stated at the DEN office in Jakarta on Wednesday, 24 June 2026.

He also noted that the MBG programme, which is one of President Prabowo’s priority programmes, possesses a multiplier effect that will help drive national economic growth. “We also have an interest in ensuring that (the MBG programme) drives economic growth, as it is essentially about equitable distribution. When Rp 1 trillion (in budget) trickles down, the impact is significant,” he said.

While acknowledging that the implementation of the MBG programme was somewhat rushed, leading to several issues, Luhut urged the public not to continuously criticise the programme. He assured that the government is currently refining the MBG programme to ensure better execution moving forward.

“Yesterday, we may have been a little too rushed, which caused many problems here. So, there is no need to make too much noise; everything is being resolved properly,” said Luhut.

Furthermore, Luhut stated that the government must undertake various efficiency measures regarding the MBG programme. He even questioned why the programme must be implemented all at once, suggesting instead that it should be carried out in stages.

“In truth, further efficiency is required. We must also identify the problems, such as why everything must be done simultaneously. It could be implemented gradually,” he added.