President Prabowo Emphasizes Free Nutritional Meals (MBG) Program Should Not Be Politicized
Jakarta – President Prabowo Subianto emphasized that the Free Nutritional Meals (MBG) program should not be politicized. This statement was issued following numerous reports regarding the MBG program and cases of food poisoning in several regions.
“We must be vigilant, don’t let it become politicized,” Prabowo stated.
President Prabowo acknowledged that the MBG program still has shortcomings and that his administration will immediately make improvements to ensure its future success. He emphasized the MBG program’s primary goal, which is to benefit Indonesian children.
“The goal is to provide nutritious food for our children who often have difficulty eating. Perhaps we eat just enough, they only eat rice with salt. This is what we must overcome. To feed millions of people, there are bound to be obstacles, and we must overcome these obstacles,” President Prabowo continued.
The call not to politicize the MBG program also came from youth leaders. The Executive Director of Indodefense Watch (IdW), Malkin Kosepa, acknowledged that the MBG is a crucial national strategic program that requires support from all parties.
“MBG is not just about nutritious food, but about the future of the nation, regarding social resilience and the well-being of the people. We must work together to maintain its integrity and effectiveness,” Malkin stated.
He continued, explaining that the MBG program targets various groups, such as students, pregnant women, breastfeeding mothers, and toddlers. As a native of Teluk Bintuni, West Papua, he expressed his appreciation for the program’s efforts to reach areas and community groups previously vulnerable to nutritional insecurity.
Nevertheless, Malkin also emphasized the need to strengthen food distribution oversight, involve local health institutions, and educate the public and food providers to ensure food safety. This will also foster public trust.
“We hope the government can strengthen its oversight of food distribution and safety so that food poisoning incidents do not recur and public trust will increase due to the extraordinary benefits of the MBG,” he concluded.
