President Prabowo Subianto has set a bold target to expand the Free Nutritious Meal Program (Makan Bergizi Gratis / MBG) to benefit 82.9 million children nationwide by the end of 2025. During the 27th anniversary of the National Awakening Party (PKB) at the Jakarta Convention Center, Prabowo emphasized the critical importance and urgency of this initiative. He recounted a moving experience during a visit to Central Java, where he witnessed firsthand the strong demand for the program among schoolchildren and teachers. This encounter prompted him to push for accelerated implementation, with a goal of reaching 20 million children by mid-August.
Prabowo expressed his commitment to ensuring accountability and proper management of public funds in the program. He noted that the effort has not gone unnoticed on the global stage, with other countries expressing interest in learning from Indonesia’s approach to addressing child hunger and malnutrition. Despite the ambitious target set, Prabowo acknowledged the need for tangible results and invited accountability from stakeholders going forward.
The Free Nutritious Meal Program forms part of Prabowo’s larger vision to combat child hunger, malnutrition, and educational disparities by providing all children with the nourishment they need to thrive and succeed. The program’s expansion aims to make a significant impact on the lives of millions of children across Indonesia, reflecting a bold and proactive approach to addressing critical social issues.
