President Prabowo Subianto has revealed an ambitious goal to expand the Free Nutritious Meal Program (Makan Bergizi Gratis / MBG) to reach 82.9 million children across Indonesia by the end of 2025. This announcement was made during the 27th anniversary of the National Awakening Party (PKB) at the Jakarta Convention Center. Prabowo emphasized the importance of this initiative as a national priority and urgent matter.
During his speech, Prabowo shared a heartfelt experience from his recent visit to Central Java, where he witnessed the high demand for the program. He recounted how schoolchildren, teachers, and residents came out of their homes along the road from Solo to Klaten, pleading for nutritious meals. Touched by this encounter, Prabowo instructed his team to accelerate the program’s implementation with a target to reach 20 million children by mid-August.
The President expressed his hope to eventually extend the program to 82.9 million children by December 2025. He mentioned that other nations have shown interest in Indonesia’s efforts, with world leaders inquiring about the program. Prabowo highlighted Indonesia’s determination to achieve this goal in a shorter timeframe compared to other countries.
However, he also stressed the need for tangible results to match the optimism surrounding the program. Prabowo emphasized the importance of being held accountable for his promises, indicating his willingness to return to PKB by the end of December or early January for evaluation.
The Free Nutritious Meal Program is a crucial component of Prabowo’s vision to address child hunger, malnutrition, and educational disparities. Through this program, he aims to ensure that every child receives the necessary nutrition to support their learning, growth, and overall success.
