President Prabowo Subianto’s programs are starting to deliver tangible benefits for the people’s welfare. As his administration reaches the six-month mark, the government has already implemented several flagship initiatives, including the Free Nutritious Meals (MBG), Free Health Checkups (CKG), People’s Business Credit (KUR), social assistance, school revitalization, the Smart Indonesia College Card (KIP Kuliah), and a national food self-sufficiency program.
The positive results of President Prabowo’s programs were not just official claims—they were voiced directly by the beneficiaries during a public hearing forum titled “Public Diplomacy: The State Delivers, People Feel the Results” held in Jakarta on Wednesday, May 28.
The forum featured members of the Red and White Cabinet in charge of various programs, alongside beneficiaries from diverse backgrounds including farmers, laborers, students, persons with disabilities, and senior citizens.
Wildan, a farmer from Kuningan Regency, expressed strong support for the food self-sufficiency program. “We are very satisfied. During the last harvest, as part of a farmer group, we really felt the benefits,” he said.
Poppy, a beneficiary of the Family Hope Program (PKH), said it significantly eased her family’s burdens. “My family really feels the benefits of PKH,” she stated. Another participant, Yenri Neti, praised the CKG program. “Thanks to CKG, all my illnesses were detected early. The process was quick and extremely helpful,” Yenri said.
Two KIP Kuliah beneficiaries from Banyumas, Annisa Febriana and Indah Trifilia, also shared their gratitude. Annisa noted that she had received education assistance since elementary school through the PIP program and is now able to attend college. “I committed to continue my studies, and the KIP Kuliah program made it possible,” she said.
“For me, the KIP and PIP scholarships are like striking gold. I come from a poor family. Thank you to the government for giving me and my friends a chance to pursue higher education,” Indah added.
Nana, a parent, shared her thoughts on the MBG program. She observed that the nutritious meals encouraged her child to enjoy vegetables. “My child is more excited to go to school and loves the MBG menu—especially the vegetables,” said Nana.
Angel Nadea, an accountant, was deeply moved by her work at the MBG Nutrition Service Unit (SPPG). “Every day I hear heartfelt thank-yous from many people for the MBG program. Whenever I distribute wages, I see joy in the eyes of the SPPG workers,” she said.
Irianti, a small business owner selling freshwater snails, shared how the KUR program changed her life. She received Rp150 million in credit, which she used to renovate her business premises. “My business was previously unfit for operations. Now it’s proper. I even have my own kitchen, which is required to apply for a halal certificate. Alhamdulillah, my business is growing,” she said.
After hearing from the public, Cabinet members responded. Deputy Minister of Health, Dante Saksono Harbuwono, explained that the CKG program was launched to detect potential health issues early, preventing serious conditions like heart disease or stroke. “The CKG program began on February 10. So far, 6.9 million people have received free checkups,” he stated.
Minister for Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs), Maman Abdurrahman, reported that KUR distribution has reached Rp107 trillion, or 36% of the 2025 target of Rp300 trillion. Moving forward, the focus will shift from quantity to quality of credit distribution.
“We are evaluating the program to better meet the specific needs of KUR recipients, whether it’s renovations, market access, or other support,” said Maman.
From the agriculture sector, Deputy Minister of Agriculture Sudaryono explained that the Prabowo administration is accelerating agricultural mechanization. This enables faster planting, harvesting, and processing, allowing farmers to harvest more frequently each year.
“With machines, planting can be completed in just one hour. We’re working to ensure the availability of farming equipment, fertilizer distribution, and purchasing dry grain at Rp6,500 per kg. Under President Prabowo, we move fast to support farmers,” Sudaryono emphasized.
Officials Losing Sleep to Deliver Results
Head of Presidential Communications Office (PCO), Hasan Nasbi, said the public hearing aimed to demonstrate that the government is working hard to fulfill its campaign promises. “Government work is no longer just fast—it’s full throttle. It’s only been six months, but so much has already been done,” he said.
“I think Bang Jabo (Deputy Social Affairs Minister Agus Jabo) looks sleep-deprived from working non-stop. Mas Dar (Sudaryono) too. Prof. Dante’s work is remarkable. We are simply facilitating. Today, beneficiaries are meeting the policymakers directly,” Hasan added.
Hasan stressed that the forum was also an opportunity to gather feedback. “If something needs improvement, we’ll fix it. We’re being transparent—everything is presented honestly. We welcome criticism too,” he concluded.