Students Criticise MBG and Kopdes Merah Putih Programmes, Here's Vice President Gibran's Response

Vice President Gibran Rakabuming has responded to criticism voiced by students during recent mass protests, which highlighted concerns over the Free Nutritious Meals (MBG) and the Merah Putih Village Cooperative (KDMP) programmes. Gibran stated that the government is committed to improving the governance of both programmes to ensure their implementation is more targeted, effective, efficient, and free from corrupt practices. In a written statement delivered by the Press, Media, and Information Bureau of the Vice Presidential Secretariat on Wednesday, Gibran emphasised that every allocated budget must provide tangible benefits to the public. He noted that strengthening governance is a crucial step not only to enhance the quality of programme execution but also to maintain public trust in the management of state finances. The government hopes these efforts will bolster its fiscal capacity and encourage greater market confidence in the national economy.