Jakarta – President Prabowo Subianto emphasized that the Free Nutritious Meals (MBG) program represents a strategic initiative to empower rural economies.
Prabowo made this statement during the digital handover ceremony of the Budget Implementation Lists (DIPA) and the Regional Transfer Allocation Book (TKD) for the 2025 fiscal year at the State Palace in Jakarta, Tuesday (10/12).
“The Free Nutritious Meals program is also strategic. Through this initiative, we will empower rural, sub-district, and provincial economies. Tens of trillions of rupiah will circulate in these areas,” Prabowo asserted.
He cited a simple example, referring to the Village Fund program that has been running with an allocation of IDR 1 billion per village annually.
“With the Free Nutritious Meals program, villages will see around IDR 8 billion circulating annually for children’s meal funds. That’s an 800% increase in the flow of money within rural areas,” Prabowo explained.
“Money will now flow to villages and regions,” he added.
Prabowo further stated that his administration would focus on poverty alleviation efforts, aligning with global agendas.
“Ladies and gentlemen, it turns out that our focus on fighting poverty has become a global agenda. The global theme is fighting poverty and hunger. Therefore, we will improve subsidies to make them more targeted and equitable,” Prabowo concluded. (RR)