President Prabowo Leads Plenary Cabinet Meeting on Eid Preparations

President Prabowo Subianto Presides Over Plenary Cabinet Meeting of the Merah Putih Cabinet at the Cabinet Meeting Room, Presidential Palace, Jakarta, Friday (03/21) (Photo: BPMI of Presidential Secretariat)

President Prabowo Subianto presided over the Plenary Cabinet Meeting of the Merah Putih Cabinet, held in the Cabinet Meeting Room at the Presidential Palace in Jakarta, Friday (03/21). This session specifically discussed several strategic measures in preparation for Eid al-Fitr 1446 Hijri and evaluated the government’s achievements during the first 150 days of the cabinet’s tenure.

In his opening remarks, President Prabowo expressed his appreciation for the performance of all ministers, vice ministers, and heads of agencies within the Merah Putih Cabinet. He acknowledged that although his cabinet is still relatively new, inter-ministerial cooperation has been strong.

“I would like to extend my gratitude for the hard work of all Ministers and Vice Ministers of the Merah Putih Cabinet under my leadership. As a relatively new cabinet, 130-140, or 150 days into our term, we certainly require an adjustment period. However, I can see that there is good cooperation and swift, intensive, and earnest efforts from all of you,” said the President.

Ahead of Eid al-Fitr, President Prabowo assured that national food security remains stable and that the government is closely monitoring the prices of essential goods. He also noted that the prices of key commodities such as rice, cooking oil, and meat have remained stable, while the price of bird’s eye chili, which had previously risen, has begun to decline.

“Our food supply is secure. Our food conditions are under control. This is not a trivial matter, ladies and gentlemen. We are the fourth-largest country in the world, with a vast population. For years, we have been concerned about our food security,” President Prabowo emphasized.

Addressing his cabinet members, the President highlighted several priority programs that have been implemented in recent months, including the free nutritious meal program, which has now reached two million beneficiaries across all provinces. He urged the relevant ministries and agencies to expedite the program’s expansion, given the overwhelming public enthusiasm.

“We can take pride in the fact that the free nutritious meal program has now reached all 38 provinces and benefits two million people. However, I am still not fully satisfied. But I understand that the Head of the National Nutrition Agency and his entire team have been working hard,” the President remarked.

Furthermore, the President underscored the launch of the Danantara Investment Management Agency, a significant step in consolidating national assets and economic strength. In addition, the free health check-up program for all citizens has officially commenced.

“I believe this is a groundbreaking initiative globally. Not all countries have such a program,” he noted.

Regarding the upcoming Eid homecoming (mudik) season, President Prabowo stated that the government has put in place various policies to assist the public, including holiday allowances (THR), discounted transportation fares, and free homecoming services. He also commended the collaboration between the government and private sectors in reducing airfare prices by 13 percent, toll road fees by 20 percent, and train ticket prices by 25 percent.

“With these preparations in place, I expect the homecoming arrangements to be well-executed,” the President said.

In closing, President Prabowo reminded his cabinet to continue working with full dedication for the welfare of the people, without being swayed by conflicting interests.

“We must learn and foster a spirit of magnanimity. We should resolve differences through dialogue, accept criticism with an open heart, and not allow ourselves to be pitted against each other. Our focus must remain on serving the people,” the President asserted.

The Plenary Cabinet Meeting served as an opportunity to ensure that all government policies and priority programs are optimally implemented and deliver tangible benefits to the people ahead of Eid al-Fitr. (BPMI of Presidential Secretariat) (AY/LW)