August 6, 2026 | 02:01 pm
TEMPO.CO, Jakarta – The Indonesian government is investigating a 69-page academic paper that lists President Prabowo Subianto as one of its authors and argues that the country’s Free Nutritious Meals (MBG) program should receive the 2026 Nobel Peace Prize.
The paper, titled “Nobel Peace Prize 2026 Free Meal Program by the National Nutrition Agency: Building Smart Business for Food Security Industry and Indonesia’s Economic Growth”, was uploaded to SSRN, an open-access digital repository where researchers can share academic papers before journal publication.
Government Probes Alleged Use of President’s Name
Head of the Government Communication Agency (Bakom) Muhammad Qodari said authorities are looking into the inclusion of Prabowo’s name in the paper.
“It is being investigated,” Qodari told reporters at the Bakom office in Gambir, Central Jakarta, on Wednesday, August 5, 2026.
The Ministry of Home Affairs is also verifying the document after it included an attachment containing a ministry letter with the reference number ND/KIE/001/I/2026.
Head of the Ministry’s Information Center Benni Irwan said the ministry is checking whether the letter was genuinely issued by the institution.
“We need to confirm first whether the letter submitted actually came from the Ministry of Home Affairs or not,” Benni said.
The ministry has also contacted the Institute of Domestic Government (IPDN), which was mentioned in the paper’s attachments. Benni said IPDN denied issuing the letter.
Paper Remains Available Online
As of Thursday, August 6, 2026, the paper titled “Nobel Peace Prize 2026 Free Meal Program by the National Nutrition Agency Building Smart Business for Food Security Industry and Indonesia’s Economic Growth”remained available on SSRN.
Prabowo’s name was still listed as one of the paper’s 10 authors. The other nine names were identified as lecturers from various higher education institutions.
The paper describes the MBG program, managed by the National Nutrition Agency (BGN), as an initiative that combines social welfare goals with a business-based model.
It claims the program could improve public welfare while supporting Indonesia’s economic growth and food security sector.
The government’s investigation comes amid questions over the authenticity of the paper’s authorship and supporting documents.
BRIN Presents ANG Technology to Prabowo as LPG Alternative
1 jam lalu
BRIN will present adsorbed natural gas (ANG) technology to President Prabowo as a potential LPG alternative. What is ANG technology?
Today's Top 3 News: How Iran Reacted to Prabowo's Nuclear Remarks
22 jam lalu
Here is the list of the top 3 news on Tempo English today.
The Source of the Problem Is Prabowo
1 hari lalu
SMRC founder Saiful Mujani explains the continued decline in President Prabowo Subianto's approval rating and electability.
Indonesian Lawmaker Backs Prabowo's Offer to Mediate Korean Talks
1 hari lalu
An Indonesian lawmaker backs President Prabowo Subianto's readiness to mediate dialogue between South Korea and North Korea.
Prabowo Says He's Concerned Over Regional Leaders' Corruption Cases
1 hari lalu
Prabowo voiced concern over rising corruption cases involving Indonesia's regional leaders during talks on the country's long-term policy guidelines.
How Iran Reacted to Prabowo's Nuclear Remarks
1 hari lalu
Prabowo Subianto recently stated that Iran possesses nuclear weapons, emphasizing its program is peaceful.
A Reflection of the Authority of the Prabowo Administration
1 hari lalu
Polls are showing a sharp drop in public satisfaction with and the electability of Prabowo. This did not happen with his two predecessors.
Thai PM to Prabowo: Our Military Respects You
1 hari lalu
Thai Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul awarded President Prabowo Subianto several medals of honor.
Terror Against Critics of the Free Nutritious Meal Program
2 hari lalu
Critics of President Prabowo Subianto face intimidation and harassment. Some are ordered to remove their critical posts from social media.
Prabowo Welcomes New Indonesia-Thailand Direct Flights to Boost Tourism
2 hari lalu
Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto welcomed the launch of new direct air routes connecting key cities in Indonesia and Thailand.
