Kadin Praises MBG Program, Food Security Policies

The business community has expressed appreciation for several policies introduced under President Prabowo Subianto’s administration to improve public welfare and strengthen national food security.

According to Coordinating Vice Chairperson for Food Affairs at the Indonesian Chamber of Commerce and Industry (Kadin) Mulyadi Jayabaya, the Government’s programs have delivered tangible benefits, particularly for low-income communities and farmers.

Among the initiatives receiving praise is the Free Nutritious Meals (MBG) program. Jayabaya said the program has significantly benefited schoolchildren, especially those in villages and remote areas who previously had limited access to nutritious meals.

“Schoolchildren in remote villages often had to do without breakfast or lunch, Sir. But through the MBG program initiated by President Prabowo, the impact has been truly extraordinary,” he said during a meeting between President Prabowo Subianto and Kadin business leaders from all across Indonesia at the State Palace, Jakarta, Friday (07/31).

Jayabaya also commended the Government’s decision to make food security a national priority, while describing the policy as essential to ensuring sufficient food supplies for Indonesia’s population through stronger domestic production.

“The steps you have taken on food security are truly remarkable. Ensuring food availability is essential, and we fully support this policy, Sir,” he said.

To further strengthen the food security agenda, Jayabaya strongly encouraged the provision of high-quality seeds suited to local conditions, improvement of access for farmers to financing, and optimization of the role of agricultural extension workers, adding that these measures are key to increasing productivity while improving farmers’ welfare.

On that occasion, he expressed appreciation for the Government’s reforms in fertilizer distribution. According to Jayabaya, the enhanced distribution system has eliminated many of the bureaucratic obstacles that previously hindered farmers’ access to fertilizer.

“Mr. President, another important issue is fertilizer. The system has now changed, and it is working well. I still remember discussing during your campaign how difficult it was for farmers to obtain fertilizer,” he remarked.

Beyond the food sector, Jayabaya highlighted the significant investment potential across the regions, including the development of industrial estates and the expansion of garment industry investment in Lebak Regency, Banten. He expressed confidence that streamlined licensing procedures, improved infrastructure, and reliable energy supply would further strengthen Indonesia’s attractiveness as an investment destination to global investors.

Jayabaya added that President Prabowo’s policies have strengthened the confidence of the business community to continue working closely with the Government.

He also affirmed Kadin’s readiness to support the Government’s efforts to improve public welfare.

“We are partners of the Government, and we stand ready to support President Prabowo’s policies,” Jayabaya said. (BPMI of Presidential Secretariat) (RIF/TM)