President Prabowo: ‘Greedynomics’ Has No Place in Indonesia’s Food Sector

President Prabowo Subianto delivers his State of the Nation Address at the Annual Session of the People’s Consultative Assembly (MPR) and the Joint Session of the House of Representatives (DPR) and the House of Regional Representatives (DPD) of the Republic of Indonesia, at the Nusantara Building, Jakarta, Friday (08/15). (Photo by: BPMI of Presidential Secretariat)

President Prabowo Subianto Friday (08/20) underlined the Government’s commitment to carrying out the Free Nutritious Meal (MBG) program and strengthening national food security as the foundation for building Indonesia’s golden generation.

President Prabowo delivered the statement during his State of the Nation Address at the Annual Session of the People’s Consultative Assembly and the Joint Session of the House of Representatives and the House of Regional Representatives of the Republic of Indonesia, held at the Nusantara Building,  Jakarta, on Friday (08/15).

On that occasion, the President announced that 20 million schoolchildren, preschoolers, expectant mothers, and breastfeeding mothers are benefiting from the MBG program within just seven months of its rollout.

He also expressed appreciation to all parties who worked hard to ensure the program’s smooth implementation.

“I would like to thank Head of the National Nutrition Agency. You and your team have done an excellent job,” the President said.

“I also extend my gratitude to all parties who have supported the implementation of the Free Nutritious Meal program. The Indonesian National Defense Forces (TNI), the Indonesian National Police (Polri), Nahdlatul Ulama (NU), Muhammadiyah, mass organizations, cooperatives, and foundations have all worked together to establish Nutritional Provision Service Units across every province in Indonesia,” he said.

The President underscored that the MBG program is not merely a social initiative, but a long-term investment recognized by the United Nations as the best investment a nation can make. Its impact is already evident in higher student attendance and achievement in schools, as well as in stimulating economic growth in villages.

“School attendance  has risen, and children’s performance has improved. Today, 5,800 Nutritional Provision Service Units are operating across 38 provinces. The MBG program has created 290,000 new jobs in community kitchens involving one million farmers, fishers, breeders, and MSMEs. MBG is driving economic growth in villages,” he added.

In addition to improving the nutrition of the younger generation, the Government is also prioritizing food self-sufficiency. The President highlighted several strategic measures, from opening up millions of hectares of new rice fields in Kalimantan, Sumatra, and Papua to streamlining bureaucratic procedures for fertilizer distribution, delivering fertilizers directly to farmers.

“Today, we record a surplus in rice production. Our national rice reserves have now exceeded four million tons. This is the highest in the history of the Unitary State of the Republic of Indonesia. For the first time in decades, Indonesia has started to resume its exports of rice and corn. I see farmers smiling because the price of unhusked rice remains stable and their incomes are increasing,” the President stated.

The President further underlined the Government’s firm stance against fraudulent practices in the food sector, including illegal hoarding and price manipulation. He firmly said that the people will never become victims of ‘greedynomics’ —victims of those who relentlessly pursue maximum profit and exploit the people.

“Large-scale rice milling enterprises must obtain a special permit from the Government if they wish to continue operating in this sector. Otherwise, they should shift to other lines of business. Do not speculate upon the basic needs of the Indonesian people,” the President remarked. (BPMI of Presidential Secretariat) (RIF/MMB)