By: Moudy Alfiani)
The Free Nutritious Meals (MBG) program is not just a national priority—it is also a tangible symbol of the government’s commitment to bringing prosperity to the people. Launched by President Prabowo Subianto, the program has reached millions of elementary and secondary school students, as well as pregnant women, by providing standardized nutritious meals. This initiative not only addresses nutritional needs but also demonstrates a development direction that focuses on improving human capital in a comprehensive way.
The impact of MBG has drawn attention not only domestically but also from global observers and figures. One such figure is Brazilian billionaire Joesley Batista, owner of JBS (the world’s largest meat producer). During his visit to Indonesia, he took the time to observe the MBG program in Bali and praised its well-organized implementation and clear objectives.
In his remarks, Joesley stated that MBG is not merely a social program but a structural project capable of creating jobs, stimulating the local economy, and improving the quality of education from the grassroots level. He added that initiatives like this are manifestations of people-centered leadership. “Thanks to President Prabowo,” he said, “the Indonesian people are experiencing a remarkable moment of prosperity.”
Joesley’s statement carries weight, considering his background as an influential economic figure in Latin America and an advocate for global sustainability. Praise from the international business community reinforces the notion that Indonesia’s MBG program is not only relevant domestically but could serve as a social development model for other countries.
Recognition of MBG’s success has also come from international institutions like UNICEF. At the 2025 High-Level Political Forum (HLPF) in New York, UNICEF Deputy Executive Director for Partnerships, Kitty van der Heijden, cited Indonesia as an example of strong leadership in fulfilling children’s rights and improving their quality of life. She commended the program for reaching six million beneficiaries within six months and aiming to reach up to 93 million children and women. According to her, Indonesia’s multisectoral approach is a global best practice worth replicating.
Kitty further linked MBG’s success to Indonesia’s Vision 2045, in which the country sees its children as the foundation of its future. She emphasized that no mission aligns more closely with UNICEF’s mandate than ensuring every child reaches their full potential—and Indonesia, through MBG, has shown a clear path toward that goal.
Domestically, appreciation also came from Tamsil Linrung, Deputy Speaker of the Regional Representative Council (DPD RI). During his visit to several MBG kitchens in South Sulawesi, he witnessed firsthand the significant increase in service volume. In his statement, Tamsil expressed optimism that the program would reach 20 million beneficiaries before Indonesia’s 80th Independence Day. He attributed the success to President Prabowo’s budgetary policies and political commitment, as well as the hard work of the National Nutrition Agency (BGN) led by Dadan Hindayana.
Tamsil highlighted that MBG is a new program involving complex infrastructure and superstructure, yet it has shown progress in the right direction. He also called on the banking sector to participate by providing financing for the MBG support ecosystem. He believes this is crucial to ensuring the program’s sustainability while expanding its local economic impact.
Meanwhile, support for MBG is also growing among philanthropic circles. At the 2025 Philanthropy Festival, National Development Planning Agency (Bappenas) Head Rachmat Pambudy stated that Indonesia’s philanthropic funding potential exceeds IDR 600 trillion. He urged that this potential be utilized to support social programs like MBG. In his view, philanthropy is an expression of human compassion, and when harnessed collectively, it can become a powerful force for national development.
In his remarks, Rachmat emphasized that while the government can set regulations and policy directions, public involvement is the key to success. Collective awareness from citizens and philanthropists will drive sustainable development. He cited examples of past philanthropists who founded educational institutions that have grown into pillars of national progress.
With cross-sectoral support—from government, businesses, international institutions, to civil society—MBG now stands as a new symbol of Indonesian prosperity. This program not only strengthens national nutrition resilience but also drives the economy, creates job opportunities, and reinforces mutual cooperation across all sectors of the nation.
President Prabowo Subianto’s commitment to making MBG a foundation for national advancement has received legitimacy both domestically and internationally. While many countries are still seeking the right formula to balance economic growth and social welfare, Indonesia has taken a major step forward through a policy that puts people at the center of development.
Through collaborative spirit and dedicated implementation, MBG has become more than just a free meal program. It is a reflection of how the state is truly present—bringing prosperity from children’s lunch tables to the heartbeat of local economies, from cities to remote regions. In the grand narrative of today’s Indonesian development, MBG is living proof that prosperity is no longer just a discourse—it is a reality being felt together.
*) The author is a Public Policy Analyst.
