Thousands Rally at NTB Governor's Office Demanding Continuation of Free Nutritious Meal Programme
Tens of thousands of volunteers from the Nutrition Fulfilment Service Unit (SPPG) across various regions of West Nusa Tenggara (NTB) gathered at the provincial governor’s office on Monday (22/6/2026). They voiced support for the Free Nutritious Meal Programme (MBG) and urged the government to continue the initiative.
The demonstrators comprised a broad cross-section of society, including mothers and young people working as SPPG volunteers, owners of foundations or MBG kitchens, and members of the Indonesian Farmers’ Harmony Association (HKTI).
Field coordinator Sawaludin Aweng stated that the group supports the MBG Programme because it has delivered positive impacts for the community, particularly in improving the nutrition of schoolchildren. “We are here to convey that the Free Nutritious Meal Programme must be continued. This programme is not just about food; it concerns the future of the younger generation and fulfilling the nutritional needs of our children,” Sawaludin said.
He noted that the benefits of the MBG programme are not only felt by direct recipients but have also stimulated the local economy at the village level. “The programme has created jobs for local communities. Many young people work in MBG kitchens, and farmers and traders also benefit because raw materials are purchased from the surrounding community,” he added.
Sawaludin assessed that President Prabowo Subianto’s priority programme has created a domino effect directly felt by the people. “This is not just a free meal programme. There is a significant economic impact. Money circulates within the village, traders thrive, farmers gain a market, and the community secures employment,” he asserted.
During the protest, the volunteers also requested that NTB Governor Lalu Muhamad Iqbal convey an official stance supporting the sustainability of the MBG Programme in the region. “We hope the Governor can relay these aspirations to the central government and demonstrate full support for the continuation of the MBG programme in NTB,” Sawaludin said.
Former West Lombok Regency DPRD Chairperson Nurhidayah also delivered a speech, emphasising that the MBG Programme has had a tangible impact on the community and must be maintained. According to Nurhidayah, the programme not only helps meet the nutritional needs of schoolchildren but has also become an effective instrument for community economic empowerment across various areas of NTB.
Governor Lalu Muhamad Iqbal, who appeared before the crowd, stated that all demands regarding the MBG would be conveyed to the central government. “Whatever the central government’s programme is, we, the NTB Provincial Government, are obliged to support it,” he said. The protest was observed to proceed in an orderly manner.