President Prabowo Emphasizes Integrity and Accountability in MBG Program

President Prabowo, on Wednesday (6/3), delivers his remarks at the “Building Indonesia’s Future Generations Through Nutrition” event, held at the Sentul International Convention Center (SICC), Bogor regency, West Java province.

President Prabowo Subianto emphasized his commitment to maintaining the integrity and success of the Free Nutritious Meal (MBG) program by ensuring that no irregularities or abuse of trust are allowed in its implementation. He delivered this statement when he attended the “Building Indonesia’s Future Generations Through Nutrition” event, held at the Sentul International Convention Center (SICC), Bogor regency, West Java province, on Wednesday (6/3).

While speaking before thousands of attendees,  consisting of the Indonesian Development Pioneer Scholars (Sarjana Penggerak Pembangunan Indonesia/SPPI), MBG kitchen managers, and program partners, President Prabowo said that it is a hard decision to replace several parties previously involved in the program’s implementation, adding that he remembered the advice of his late father, Prof. Sumitro Djojohadikusumo, who always reminded him to side with the people when facing doubts in making decisions.

“If you are confused or in doubt, remember to always side with your people,” he said, recalling his father’s advice.

He further said that the decision was made after receiving reports regarding shortcomings, irregularities, and even indications of fraud in the program implementation. According to the President, leadership quality is a determining factor in the success of an organization.

“Good leaders create good organizations. Bad leaders create bad organizations, especially dysfunctional, incompetent, or dishonest leaders,” he stated.

On the occasion, President Prabowo stressed the importance of SPPI’s role as the vanguard of the success of the MBG program. He said SPPI graduates have been specifically prepared to lead and manage MBG kitchens throughout Indonesia, prioritizing the values ​​of devotion, integrity, and love for the homeland.

“We have educated, recruited, trained, and instilled you with the values ​​of patriotism and devotion to the state and nation. You are now entrusted the task of leading and managing these kitchens,” said the President.

The Head of State emphasized that the Government will not hesitate to take firm action against anyone who attempts to abuse the people’s trust. He even stated his readiness to strengthen the capacity of supervisory institutions and law enforcement officers to ensure the program runs according to its objectives.

“I don’t want the people’s money stolen. I don’t want the people’s money stolen. And there are no exceptions,” he stated.

President Prabowo also asked all kitchen heads and SPPI to strengthen supervision in the field and not to engage in practices that could undermine public trust in the MBG program. He affirmed that the program’s success is a significant trust that we must uphold together for the sake of the future generations of Indonesia.

“This is a noble job for us and this program must succeed. It will succeed. You are a crucial part of this program. If you do not work well, if you are not serious, if you are not loyal and faithful, please back off. The important thing is that the interests of the people are above all else,” he concluded.

This strong message reaffirms that the MBG program is not only about providing nutritious meals for millions of Indonesian children, but also about building clean and accountable governance that is fully oriented toward the interests of the people. (BPMI of Presidential Secretariat) (JAS/MMB)