Jakarta – President Prabowo Subianto has called on all ministries and government agencies to swiftly implement the Free Nutritious Meals (MBG) program, ensuring it is precisely targeted and measurable. Prabowo emphasized this during the first Merah Putih Cabinet meeting at the Merdeka Palace in Jakarta on Wednesday (October 23).
“The nutritious meal program—this needs to be prepared immediately. The National Nutrition Agency and all ministries and agencies must move quickly. We need to be accurate, targeted, and measurable, but don’t be afraid of challenges,” Prabowo stated.
Prabowo acknowledged that some remain skeptical about the government’s capacity to implement the MBG program. However, he urged the cabinet members to move forward with confidence to meet the program’s goals.
“I’ve heard some figures doubting our ability to execute this. I’m not saying it will be completed in one or two weeks or even three months. None of us have the magic wand of King Solomon. But we can calculate, manage, allocate funds, and mobilize resources,” he explained.
Prabowo emphasized that he is staking his leadership on this flagship program, describing nutritious meals for children and pregnant women as crucial and strategic.
“To me, providing nutritious meals for children and pregnant women is a strategic priority. Anyone who does not support this initiative is welcome to leave the government I lead. As a team, we must be united and confident—this is part of Indonesia’s national revival,” Prabowo declared.
The president also highlighted the importance of ensuring access to education for all children in Indonesia. He revealed that he had already engaged the Minister of Higher Education, Science, and Technology, along with the Minister of Primary and Secondary Education, to discuss a comprehensive plan for expanding educational access.
“After that, of course, health is also vital. The most immediate and tangible form of democracy for the people is if we can provide the best education for our children and adequate healthcare for all citizens. That’s true democracy, my friends,” Prabowo concluded. (RR)
