President Prabowo: No Child Should Have to Study While Hungry

President Prabowo Subianto underscored that human development is one of key factors in determining Indonesia’s future. The statement was conveyed by the Head of State during his State 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) at Nusantara Building in Parliamentary Complex in Jakarta, on Friday (08/14).

According to President Prabowo, human development must begin with fulfilling the most basic needs, especially child nutrition. He urged the Government to not allow Indonesian children to go through the learning process while hungry, as such conditions can hinder their ability to develop.

“The [development] that will most determine our future is human development. We begin with the most fundamental need: nutrition. No child should have to study while hungry. No child can study effectively while hungry,” stated the President.

Therefore, President Prabowo affirmed that the Government will consistently implement the Free Nutritious Meal (MBG) program, which also aims to address stunting still experienced by some Indonesian children. He noted that the stunting rate in several regions remains as high as 25 percent or about one in four children. This condition, he added, can impair the development of a child’s brain cells, muscles, and bones.

“We cannot accept a situation in which one in four Indonesian children suffers from stunting. We cannot accept that. Therefore, I am determined to continue the MBG program, but with improvements and greater efficiency,” he declared.

In his State Address, President Prabowo also highlighted the importance of oversight for the MBG program. He strongly condemned parties attempting to illicitly profit from the nutritional program meant for Indonesian children.

“In my view, those who are willing to steal from meals intended for our children are people who do not deserve our respect. In my view, such acts are completely devoid of humanity,” he asserted.

President Prabowo then presented Kristina Beno, a sixth-grade student from Merauke regency, South Papua province, to illustrate the positive impact of the MBG program on children. President Prabowo said the program has helped Kristina become healthier, more focused, and more regular in her school attendance.

“For some, a plate of food may appear simple. For Kristina and the millions of people who now receive MBG meals each day, it is the energy to study and the protein to support healthy physical growth and healthy brain, bone, and muscle development,” concluded the President (BPMI of Presidential Secretariat) (NST/AW)