President Prabowo Subianto has announced a bold target to expand the Free Nutritious Meal Program (Makan Bergizi Gratis / MBG) to reach 82.9 million children across Indonesia by the end of 2025. This initiative, highlighted as a national priority, was emphasized as urgent by Prabowo during the 27th anniversary of the National Awakening Party (PKB) at the Jakarta Convention Center. Sharing a moving experience from a recent visit to Central Java, Prabowo recounted the overwhelming demand for the program along his journey from Solo to Klaten.
Witnessing the enthusiasm of schoolchildren and communities for nutritious meals, Prabowo was deeply touched by their plea for support. Motivated by this encounter, he directed his team to intensify program implementation, aiming to reach 20 million children by mid-August. Expressing the necessity for proper management of public funds, Prabowo emphasized the importance of training kitchen staff to ensure efficient resource utilization.
With a vision to combat child hunger, malnutrition, and educational disparities, the Free Nutritious Meal Program strives to provide essential nourishment for every child, regardless of their background. Prabowo’s commitment to this cause has garnered international interest, with other nations observing Indonesia’s rapid progress. Despite the ambitious target, Prabowo remains focused on delivering tangible outcomes to validate the initiative’s impact.
Acknowledging the need for accountability, Prabowo invited scrutiny of his promise, suggesting a follow-up assessment in late 2025 or early 2026. The program’s success not only serves as a testament to Indonesia’s efficiency but also sets a precedent for addressing societal challenges through proactive measures.
