Jakarta – American philanthropist and businessman Bill Gates, has shown his commitment to improving global welfare by providing a grant of USD 159 million to Indonesia to support the Free Nutritious Meals (MBG) Program. The grant is distributed through the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation as a form of real contribution to combating hunger and malnutrition, especially in developing countries including Indonesia.
The Head of the National Nutrition Agency (BGN) Dadan Hindayana said that Bill Gates is interested in providing support for the Free Nutritious Meals (MBG) program in Indonesia. However, Dadan has not explained in detail what support Bill Gates will provide for the MBG program.
“What is clear is that there is support from Bill Gates to the Indonesian government,” said Dadan.
Dadan said that Bill Gates’ support would be explained in detail by the Minister of Health (Menkes).
“Later with the Minister of Health who will be detailed, because actually more with health programs, coincidentally, Nutritious Meals is one of Bill Gates’ concerns, we will hear his concrete support after the visit,” continued Dadan.
Dadan also explained that Bill Gates saw the MBG program as an important program, especially for pregnant women, toddlers and children in their growth period. Nutritious food can be an indicator that a nation is healthy and prosperous, at least MBG is a real manifestation of the government caring about its own people.
“According to him, this is a very important program and especially he emphasized the first 100 days, namely pregnant women, breastfeeding mothers and toddlers and also children who still need growth period need good nutrition,” said Dadan.
Bill Gates was also impressed by the MBG program implemented by President Prabowo’s government in Indonesia.
“Yes, he (Bill Gates) was very impressed because to do this, it certainly requires a large budget, the President said that it had been prepared by the Indonesian Government and then he was impressed with what was done,” said Dadan.
Previously, Prabowo said that Bill Gates gave a grant of USD 159 million to Indonesia. This was conveyed by Prabowo when receiving a visit from Bill Gates at the Merdeka Palace in Jakarta, on May 7, 2025.
“He has given a grant to Indonesia worth USD 159 million,” said Prabowo.
Prabowo explained that the total funds consisted of USD 119 million for health, USD 5 million for agriculture. Then technology USD 5 million. Then, other social assistance across sectors with a total of more than USD 28 million.
“In health USD 119 million, agriculture USD 5 million, technology USD 5 million, other social assistance across sectors totaling more than USD 28 million,” said Prabowo.
President of the Republic of Indonesia Prabowo Subianto invited Bill Gates to visit one of the schools receiving the MBG program.
The school in question is SD Negeri 03 Pagi, Jati, Pulau Gadung, East Jakarta as one of the recipients of the Free Nutritious Meal (MBG) program.
MBG itself is a program promoted by President Prabowo Subianto and Vice President Gibran Rakabuming Raka since the two of them decided to become duet partners towards RI-1 and RI-2.
With the commitment and ongoing support from world figures such as Bill Gates, the Free Nutritious Meal Program is expected to be a long-term solution for Indonesia in eradicating child hunger and creating a healthier and smarter future generation.
