Prabowo Pledges to Continue, Improve 'Free Nutritious Meal' Program

President Prabowo Subianto has committed to continuing Indonesia's "Free Nutritious Meal" (MBG) program, emphasizing a focus on improvements and efficiency to ensure the nutritional needs of Indonesian children are met. He delivered this pledge during the State Address at the Annual Session of the People's Consultative Assembly (MPR) and the Joint Session of the House of Representatives (DPR) and Regional Representative Council (DPD) in Jakarta on Friday, August 14, 2026.

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I am determined to continue the MBG program with improvements, with efficiency.

President Prabowo stated that the MBG program is designed to tackle the persistent issue of malnutrition prevalent in various regions across the country. "I am determined to continue the MBG program with improvements, with efficiency," Prabowo declared. He stressed that human development is paramount for Indonesia's future and must begin with fulfilling basic needs, particularly nutrition. "We start from the most basic thing, which is nutrition. No child should be studying while hungry. No child can learn well if they are hungry," he asserted.

The President pointed out that the prevalence of malnutrition in some areas reaches as high as 25%, meaning one in four Indonesian children suffers from it. He warned that this condition is unacceptable as it severely impedes the development of children's brains, muscles, and bones. "They might not even be capable of becoming a dockworker or a farm laborer. We cannot accept one in four Indonesian children experiencing stunting; we cannot accept that," Prabowo emphasized.

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We start from the most basic thing, which is nutrition. No child should be studying while hungry. No child can learn well if they are hungry.

To combat this critical issue, Prabowo affirmed the government's dedication to advancing the MBG program through necessary improvements and enhanced efficiency. The joint session, held in commemoration of Indonesia's 81st Independence Day themed "Sovereign, Just, and Prosperous Indonesia," also included reports on the performance of state institutions and a video showcasing government achievements.

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They might not even be capable of becoming a dockworker or a farm laborer. We cannot accept one in four Indonesian children experiencing stunting; we cannot accept that.