MBG Program Reaches More than 60 Million Beneficiaries

President Prabowo reaffirms his commitment to MBG Program at Palmerah, Jakarta on Friday (02/13)

Prabowo Subianto reaffirmed his commitment to the Free Nutritious Meals (MBG) Program as a strategic step to improve the quality of Indonesia’s human resources. In his remarks, he emphasized that the program is an urgent necessity for the majority of the population and has become common practice in many developed countries.

“Indonesia is not the first nation implementing such a program. Dozens of other countries have implemented it. And developed, democratic countries certainly have free nutritious meal programs for their people,” the President stated during the inauguration of 1,072 nutrition fulfilment service units (SPPG units) and 18 Police Food Security Warehouses, as well as the groundbreaking of 107 Police SPPG units at SPPG Polri Palmerah, Jakarta, on Friday (02/13).

President Prabowo noted that while the urgency of the program may not be felt by economically well-off groups, it is crucial for economically vulnerable communities. He acknowledged that since its launch, the MBG program had faced criticism and opposition. Nevertheless, he affirmed his belief that the policy is on the right track.

“But I was convinced at the time that I was on the right path. I am confident that our objective is right and good,” he said.

The President explained that the program was driven by the country’s stunting rate, which had once reached 25 percent of Indonesian children. The issue cannot be resolved through theory or discourse alone, but requires direct government intervention, he added.

“Ultimately, I learned from the experiences of other nations that the only way forward [to solve the problem of stunting] is direct intervention by the government—directly aimed at children, pregnant women, and vulnerable parents, including the elderly,” he remarked.

Regarding funding, President Prabowo emphasized that the MBG program is financed through budget efficiency and state spending savings. He assured that the state budget deficit remains under control.

“Our state budget remains within the parameters we have set. Our deficit is still below the limit we determined—3 percent of GDP. And I am determined that we will work as hard as possible to reduce it further,” the President stated.

President Prabowo also highlighted the significant achievements of the MBG program, which has now reached more than 60 million beneficiaries. The program is supported by more than 22,000 SPPG units across Indonesia.

“This number is roughly equivalent to feeding the entire population of South Africa every day, or ten times the population of Singapore every day, or twice the population of Malaysia every day,” he concluded.

The MBG Program is not merely a social policy, but a national transformation strategy aimed at creating a healthier generation, strengthening economic productivity, and accelerating progress toward the vision of Golden Indonesia 2045.

 (BPMI of Presidential Secretariat) (RD/TM)