Prabowo Claims Some Are Wary of Free Nutritious Meal Program's Success

President Prabowo Subianto has firmly defended his administration's flagship free nutritious meal (MBG) program, pushing back against what he describes as fear surrounding its success. Speaking in Cilacap, Central Java, the President declared his unwavering commitment to the initiative, which he initiated, emphasizing that it will continue until completion and that any shortcomings will be addressed. This strong stance comes as the program aims to benefit tens of millions of Indonesians.

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We will continue until it's completed. Many shortcomings will be resolved. Many are afraid of its success.

President Prabowo highlighted the program's transformative impact on the agricultural sector, asserting that it provides a crucial market guarantee for farmers and fishermen. He explained that the MBG ensures that all produce is absorbed by the Indonesian people through local kitchens, effectively eliminating the problem of unsold goods and middlemen who exploit farmers. This, he believes, puts his government on the right track, aligning with the interests of the Indonesian people.

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Now we have changed, almost all farmers and fishermen have a market off-taker guarantee. Whatever they produce, it will be absorbed by the Indonesian people in every village with SPPG (Nutrition Fulfillment Service Unit), kitchens.

The administration is actively accelerating the MBG's implementation, with a target of reaching approximately 82 million beneficiaries. In a significant move to bolster the program, the National Nutrition Agency (BGN) is calling on universities to participate in establishing the necessary kitchens. BGN Head Dadan Hindayana stressed the strategic role universities can play, integrating academic activities with fieldwork and providing the substantial support needed for food production required by the MBG kitchens.

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We are on the right track, we are on the side of the Indonesian people. Whoever is not on the side of the people, that's their choice. I will always be on the side of the nation and the Indonesian people.

From an Indonesian perspective, the MBG program represents more than just a social welfare initiative; it is a cornerstone of national development and economic empowerment. It directly addresses food security, supports local agriculture, and aims to reduce poverty. While Western media might focus on the logistical challenges or potential costs, here in Indonesia, the program is viewed as a vital step towards building a more equitable and prosperous nation, reflecting President Prabowo's promise to prioritize the welfare of the Indonesian people.

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Universities have a strategic role in supporting the success of the president's priority program.