Jakarta — Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto underscored that the Makan Bergizi Gratis (Free Nutritious Meal, MBG) program has delivered concrete benefits to communities across the country. Speaking at the Annual Session of the People’s Consultative Assembly (MPR) at the House of Representatives (DPR) building in Jakarta on Friday (Aug. 15), the President detailed the program’s reach and economic impact.

In the eight months since its launch, MBG has served 20 million beneficiaries—ranging from school-age children and preschoolers to pregnant women and breastfeeding mothers.

“This morning, I received a report from the National Nutrition Agency confirming that 20 million schoolchildren, preschoolers, pregnant women, and breastfeeding mothers now receive free nutritious meals every day,” Prabowo stated.

To date, the program has established 5,800 Nutritional Service Units (Satuan Pelayanan Pemenuhan Gizi, SPPG) across 38 provinces. It has generated 290,000 jobs and engaged one million farmers, fishers, livestock breeders, and small and medium-sized enterprises.

“Although the program has only been in operation for eight months, its results are already visible. School attendance has risen, and student performance is improving. As of today, we have 5,800 SPPGs in 38 provinces. MBG has created 290,000 new jobs in community kitchens and involved one million farmers, fishers, livestock breeders, and SMEs. It is driving economic growth in rural areas,” Prabowo explained.

He stressed that MBG is not merely a social welfare initiative but a strategic foundation for cultivating a healthy, intelligent, and productive generation. “The United Nations has said that programs like MBG represent the best investment a nation can make,” he noted.

The President cited higher school attendance rates and improved academic performance as early indicators of success.

Despite being in its infancy, Indonesia’s achievements already surpass the pace of many other nations.

“Brazil needed 11 years to reach 40 million free nutritious meals per day. Sometimes, we must recognize that our nation has the capability. When our people have the will, there is much we can achieve together,” he remarked.

The Annual Session was attended by leaders of state institutions, members of the DPR and Regional Representative Council (DPD), as well as the entire cabinet.