Prabowo Affirms Free Nutrition Program Will Continue Despite Budget Concerns

Hambalang, Bogor – President Prabowo Subianto reaffirmed his commitment to the continuation of the Free Nutritious Meal (MBG) program on Sunday, despite ongoing budgetary pressures and scrutiny over its implementation. The program, he stated, is a crucial long-term investment in improving the quality of Indonesia’s human resources, with a particular focus on reducing stunting rates and bolstering the foundation for future generations.

“I will persevere as much as possible. It is better for my people to be able to eat than for the money to be corrupted,” President Prabowo declared during a discussion with journalists and experts, according to a release from the Republic of Indonesia’s Communication and Information Services (Bakom) on Sunday, March 22, 2026.

The President framed the MBG program as a direct response to concerns voiced by citizens during his campaign. He recounted witnessing the effects of malnutrition firsthand although traveling throughout the country. “You haven’t seen the children who are stunted? I have. I campaigned many times, I went to villages, and I saw it. How old are you? Eleven years old. But his body is like a four-year-old’s. I am convinced I am on the right path. We have the money,” Prabowo said.

Beyond addressing nutritional deficiencies, Prabowo highlighted the potential for the MBG program to stimulate economic growth through job creation. He projected the program would eventually involve 31,000 kitchens, each employing 50 individuals, resulting in 1.5 million jobs. “At its peak, we will have 31,000 kitchens. Let’s say, for simplicity, 30,000 kitchens. Each kitchen employs 50 people. That’s already 1.5 million jobs,” he explained.

He further detailed that each Nutritional Fulfillment Service Unit (SPPG), or MBG kitchen, is expected to generate demand from 5-10 local food suppliers, creating additional employment opportunities for farmers and other agricultural workers. “Those who sell eggs, those who sell carrots, those who sell vegetables – each vendor empirically employs around 5 more farmers. So that’s another 1.5 million people working,” Prabowo stated.

Acknowledging criticisms and shortcomings in the program’s rollout, President Prabowo confirmed that the government has taken decisive action to address issues. “More than a thousand [kitchens] have already been closed,” he revealed.

The President emphasized that the program’s funding will not rely on new debt, but rather on increased efficiency and the reduction of budgetary leaks. “We have the money. We just need to organize it, reduce the leaks,” Prabowo asserted. He added that the policy is intended to ensure that the economic benefits of the program are widely felt, particularly by lower-income groups who have historically been excluded from economic progress. “Our people, for too long, have not enjoyed the benefits of our economy,” Prabowo concluded.