President Prabowo Subianto has announced an ambitious target to expand the Free Nutritious Meal Program (Makan Bergizi Gratis / MBG) to reach 82.9 million children across Indonesia by the end of 2025. This initiative has been highlighted as a national priority and a matter of urgency according to Prabowo, who emphasized the importance during the 27th anniversary of the National Awakening Party (PKB) at the Jakarta Convention Center.
Sharing a heartfelt experience from his recent visit to Central Java, Prabowo described the overwhelming demand for the program as he traveled from Solo to Klaten. Witnessing schoolchildren, teachers, and locals coming out of their homes, he was deeply moved by their plea for nutritious meals. This encounter spurred Prabowo to instruct his team to accelerate the program implementation, setting a goal to reach 20 million children by mid-August of the same year.
Expressing determination, Prabowo aims to continue expanding the program with the hope of ultimately reaching 82.9 million children by December 2025. He mentioned that this initiative has begun to attract global attention, with other nations closely monitoring Indonesia’s progress. Prabowo highlighted the speed of Indonesia’s efforts compared to other countries, stating that Indonesia’s bold target will be achieved in a much shorter timeframe.
While expressing optimism, Prabowo also emphasized the importance of delivering tangible results to match the ambitious goals set forth. He acknowledged the need for accountability and welcomed the opportunity for scrutiny at a future date to ensure that the program’s objectives are being met effectively.
The Free Nutritious Meal Program forms part of Prabowo’s broader vision to address child hunger, malnutrition, and educational disparities. By providing children with the essential nutrition they need to thrive, regardless of their background, Prabowo aims to create a foundation for learning, growth, and success.
