President Prabowo Subianto has unveiled an ambitious goal to expand the Free Nutritious Meal Program (Makan Bergizi Gratis / MBG) to reach 82.9 million children nationwide by the end of 2025. This initiative, highlighted as a national priority by Prabowo during the 27th anniversary of the National Awakening Party (PKB), is a matter of great urgency. Sharing a heartfelt experience from his recent visit to Central Java, Prabowo recounted the overwhelming demand for the program as he traveled from Solo to Klaten. Witnessing the enthusiasm of schoolchildren and locals along the road, he emphasized the crucial need for nutritious meals in Indonesia. Motivated by this encounter, Prabowo promptly directed his team to expedite the program’s implementation, aiming to reach 20 million children by mid-August and ultimately targeting 82.9 million beneficiaries by December 2025.
The initiative has started to attract global attention, with other nations closely monitoring Indonesia’s efforts. Prabowo mentioned that world leaders have inquired about the program during his overseas visits, with some countries even expressing interest in sending teams to learn from Indonesia’s approach. Despite the optimism surrounding the program, Prabowo stressed the importance of delivering tangible results to validate these aspirations. He expressed his willingness to be held accountable for the progress of the Free Nutritious Meal Program, inviting stakeholders to assess the outcomes by December 2025 or January. This program aligns with Prabowo’s overarching vision to address child hunger, malnutrition, and educational disparities by ensuring that every child, regardless of background, has access to the necessary nourishment for their growth and development.
