TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - President Prabowo Subianto expressed his disbelief regarding the public rejection of the Free Nutritious Meal (MBG) program.
He made the remarks while attending the closing ceremony of the 2026 Islamic Scholars National Assembly and the Grand Conference Nahdlatul Ulama at the Syaichona Mohammad Cholil Islamic Institute (Insya) in Bangkalan Regency, East Java, on Tuesday, July 23, 2026.
"It is strange that there are demonstrations opposing the MBG. The MBG is meant to aid those in difficulty, those who are struggling," Prabowo said.
The President emphasized that the free nutritious meal is not compulsory. Those classified as affluent are welcome to opt out of the MBG program. "If you're already wealthy, you don't need to receive the MBG. There is no obligation to accept the MBG," he said.
However, behind this optional approach, Prabowo highlighted the realities on the ground. He described how the program is a lifesaver for children from underprivileged families.
"But there are many children who are not capable, who go to school without breakfast. There are even many children who save their food to take home for their mother, father, siblings, and grandmother. Many of our people are struggling," he said.
Prabowo compared the initiative with similar policies in other countries, while refuting claims that the MBG drains education funds. "More than a hundred countries run an MBG program. The MBG program does not reduce other funding. Education funding continues uninterrupted, and perhaps even increase under my government," he said.
Prabowo linked the funding capability of the program to the government's commitment to combating budget leaks. He mentioned that the capital saved from potential corruption is directly distributed back to the public. "The money we clawed back is money that would have been corrupted. We are not children. We understand [how things work]," he said.
As proof of this fiscal reallocation, Prabowo highlighted achievements in infrastructure and education. "The evidence is clear that Rp5.4 trillion can build 1,000 km of roads. In 18 months of my leadership, 30,000 schools have been repaired. Next year, we will repair another 30,000," he said.
Read: Pro-MBG Rally Participants Say They Were Paid to Attend
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