Prabowo baffled by criticism of free meal program, calls it 'wasteful'

Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto voiced astonishment at critics who deem his "Makan Bergizi Gratis" (MBG) program a waste of state funds. He questioned why his initiative to provide nutritious meals for children, pregnant women, and the elderly faces such backlash.

"I am attacked for wanting to provide nutritious food for Indonesian children, for pregnant women, for the elderly, and it's considered wasteful," Prabowo stated during a plenary cabinet meeting on Monday. He highlighted a perceived contradiction, noting that trillions of rupiah have been lost to corruption over the past 34 years without similar public outcry or expert protest.

Prabowo emphasized that the MBG program's sole purpose is to enhance the nutritional status of all Indonesian children. He lamented the silence surrounding massive, ongoing financial leaks, contrasting it with the intense scrutiny his social welfare program has attracted. The president's remarks came during a cabinet session where he and his ministers wore white shirts.