President Prabowo Subianto’s flagship programs, namely Free Nutritious Meals (Makan Bergizi Gratis / MBG), People’s School (Sekolah Rakyat), and the Merah Putih Village/Urban Cooperatives (Koperasi Desa/Kelurahan Merah Putih / Kopdes), are being praised as effective tools in accelerating poverty eradication. These initiatives are not just about providing social assistance to reduce poverty, but rather empowering individuals and communities to achieve economic independence. The Head of the Poverty Eradication Acceleration Agency (BP Taskin), Budiman Sudjatmiko, explained that the government’s goal is to equip people with the necessary skills, knowledge, nutrition, and economic opportunities to break the cycle of poverty. The Sekolah Rakyat program focuses on education as a means to uplift individuals, while MBG and Kopdes Merah Putih offer economic benefits to entire communities by creating job opportunities and boosting demand in various sectors. Nanik S. Deyang, Deputy Head of BP Taskin, emphasized how these programs provide tangible hope for poor households by removing barriers and connecting them to economic opportunities. For example, MBG’s large-scale operations benefit local producers by increasing their workforce, while Kopdes Merah Putih streamlines supply chains and provides affordable access to credit, ultimately helping individuals break free from predatory lenders. These initiatives are designed to not only alleviate poverty but also empower individuals and communities to achieve economic self-reliance.
