In the spirit of the Youth Pledge, the government is strengthening the People’s School Program and providing free nutritious meals for Indonesia’s younger generation
JAKARTA – The commemoration of Youth Pledge Day on October 28, 2025, is a crucial moment for the Indonesian nation to reaffirm the spirit of unity, leadership, and social awareness of the younger generation. This year, this spirit is being realized through concrete government steps to strengthen the People’s School and Free Nutritious Meal (MBG) programs, as a means of achieving equal education and improving the quality of human resources throughout the country.
Social Affairs Minister Saifullah Yusuf, also known as Gus Ipul, emphasized that the People’s School (Sekolah Rakyat) will continue to be expanded as a model of equitable social education for low-income families. “The People’s School is here to ensure that children from low-income families receive a proper education and develop strong social character,” Gus Ipul said while reviewing its implementation in Pontianak.
This program, initiated by the Ministry of Social Affairs, combines an academic curriculum with character and leadership development. The Head of the Mataram Paramita Center, Arif Rohman, explained that the People’s School not only educates but also shapes the students’ personalities, enabling them to become agents of change in society.
“We want to shape future leaders who are resilient and have a social spirit,” he said.
Meanwhile, in the area of social resilience and nutrition, President Prabowo Subianto reaffirmed the government’s commitment to strengthening the Free Nutritional Meals (MBG) Program. This program is designed to ensure that every Indonesian child receives adequate nutrition to grow up healthy, intelligent, and productive. By mid-October 2025, the government had built 11,900 MBG kitchens, serving 35.4 million children and pregnant women daily.
“The Free Nutritious Meal Program is a manifestation of the government’s commitment to the future of Indonesian children. We want them to grow up healthy and ready to lead the nation’s future,” said President Prabowo in his remarks in Jakarta.
Support for the MBG also came from various parties. Member of the Indonesian House of Representatives (DPR RI) Mukhamad Misbakhun called the program a concrete manifestation of the spirit of the Youth Pledge for social justice and public welfare. He also reviewed the Petung River rehabilitation project in Pasuruan, which involves the government, the Indonesian National Armed Forces (TNI), and the private sector as a form of collaboration for regional progress.
The momentum of October 28, 2025, is proof that the spirit of the Youth Pledge lives on through concrete government policies. Through People’s Schools and Free Nutritious Meals, the government reaffirms its commitment to developing a healthy, intelligent, and character-based young generation ready to lead Indonesia towards a bright future.
