Visiting NTT, Prabowo Highlights Benefits of Free Nutritious Meals for Earthquake Victims

President Prabowo Subianto reviewed the handling of earthquake victims in East Nusa Tenggara (NTT) on Wednesday, 26 August 2026. He directly led a coordination meeting with a number of ministers and heads of agencies in Nagekeo Regency, NTT.

In his directives, Prabowo stressed that the central government has worked hard in handling the earthquake in NTT.

“So after I received reports, I have been monitoring, we have done our best. Of course we want to do more,” said Prabowo.

He also appreciated the regional government of Nagekeo Regency, particularly the regent, who worked maximally to meet the needs of earthquake victims in NTT.

“This regent and leader is the closest to the people,” said Prabowo.

The head of state also touched on the benefits of the Free Nutritious Meals Programme, or MBG, for communities affected by the earthquake in NTT. Prabowo stressed that one portion of MBG provides great benefits for all earthquake victims.

He was not bothered if there are political elites or figures who look down on the MBG programme. However, he is confident that his flagship programme can be useful for the wider public.

“Those of you who feel it may also experience great benefits from the MBG programme. I am convinced that only a few political elites, with their political interests, do not understand, but in the end they will understand,” said Prabowo.

Prabowo said that one portion of MBG provides great benefits for people in difficult circumstances. He also admitted to receiving many stories about the number of people going hungry.

“For those who are well off, one portion of food means nothing. But for those in difficult circumstances, and the hardship lasting for days, many have told me stories,” said Prabowo.

“Now what we are thinking about are mothers and children. So MBG plays a role, and I am confident that later the red and white cooperatives and fishing villages, once they are functioning properly and optimally, will also be very helpful,” he concluded.

For information, the government has placed 71 Nutrition Service Fulfilment Units (SPPG), or MBG kitchens, on standby to help meet the food needs of refugees following the magnitude 7.7 earthquake that struck several areas in East Nusa Tenggara Province in the early hours of Saturday, 15 August 2026.