President Prabowo Subianto’s key initiatives, including Free Nutritious Meals (Makan Bergizi Gratis/MBG), People’s School (Sekolah Rakyat), and Merah Putih Village/Urban Cooperatives (Koperasi Desa/Kelurahan Merah Putih/Kopdes), are being hailed as pathways to expedite poverty eradication. These programs have the potential to generate significant employment opportunities while promoting economic autonomy.
Head of the Poverty Eradication Acceleration Agency (BP Taskin) Budiman Sudjatmiko emphasized that the government’s objective is not just to alleviate poverty, but to empower individuals and foster economic self-sufficiency. He likened the government’s strategy to a football game, where the poor are the players guided to be skilled, well-fed, and economically empowered. The government’s role is to facilitate a smooth transition from defense to offense until the goal of eradicating poverty is achieved.
Sekolah Rakyat, a boarding-based educational program, aims to break the cycle of poverty, while MBG and Kopdes Merah Putih offer economic advantages to entire communities. The establishment of MBG kitchens and Kopdes retail outlets is expected to create millions of employment opportunities, benefiting various sectors such as farmers, SMEs, and village enterprises.
Deputy Head of BP Taskin, Nanik S. Deyang, highlighted how these programs provide tangible hope for impoverished households. Boarding schools remove children from restrictive environments, while MBG’s operations support local producers, triggering positive economic spillover effects. For instance, small-scale tofu and tempeh factories have been able to expand their workforce significantly due to collaborations with MBG.
Additionally, Kopdes Merah Putih plays a crucial role in streamlining supply chains by eliminating intermediary costs. Through Kopdes, farmers can access essential resources like fertilizers at more affordable rates, bypassing the need for multiple layers of agents and cooperatives. Furthermore, Kopdes provides access to fair credit terms, liberating individuals from exploitative moneylenders and offering financial support on more favorable terms than traditional banks.
