Young Mothers Rally in Support of Free Nutritious Meals Programme

Hundreds of people from the group Emak Muda Bersatu (United Young Mothers) held a demonstration in Jakarta on Monday to voice their support for the priority programme of President Prabowo Subianto and Vice President Gibran Rakabuming Raka, the Free Nutritious Meals (MBG) initiative. “MBG has been proven to play a role in supporting the reduction of stunting rates. Everyone has felt the benefits of MBG,” said Emak Muda Bersatu orator Oktasari Sabil in Jakarta on Monday. The crowd, consisting of young mothers, staged the rally on Jalan Merdeka Selatan in Central Jakarta, which was specifically cleared by police to accommodate the action. Dressed in white clothing and red headscarves, the mothers appeared enthusiastic in conveying their aspirations. “Do not touch President Prabowo, we support pro-people programmes,” Oktasari said. In addition to delivering speeches, several participants also read poetry about the MBG programme, which has been experienced by all groups, from Indonesian children, pregnant women, and the elderly, to micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs), farmers, ranchers, and businesspeople. Meanwhile, a total of 3,761 joint personnel were deployed to secure and facilitate the demonstrations held by several groups at various points in the Central Jakarta area on Monday. “Security and services are being provided at a number of locations, including the southern cross area of Monas. There are demonstrations from several elements of society and students with different demands,” said Central Jakarta Metro Police Chief Kombes Pol Reynold EP Hutagalung in Jakarta on Monday. He stated that the security measures were a form of police service in maintaining safety while respecting the public’s right to express opinions in public. “We have prepared personnel to ensure that the activities for conveying aspirations proceed safely and orderly. We prioritise a humanistic, persuasive approach, and continue to prioritise the safety of the public and personnel in the field,” Reynold said.