Prabowo Reveals Free Nutrition Eating Program Reaches 20 Million Recipients

JAKARTA - President of the Republic of Indonesia (RI) Prabowo Subianto conveyed his proud achievements regarding the Free Nutrition Food (MBG) program.

"We have implemented strategic interventions to improve nutrition for 82 million Indonesian children and pregnant women," he said at the MPR RI Annual Session and the 2025 DPR-DPD RI Joint Session, at the DPR Building, Parliament Complex, Jakarta, Friday, August 15.

Prabowo said that he had received a positive report from the National Nutrition Agency (BGN) because the free nutritious food program had reached 20 million children, pregnant women, and breastfeeding mothers.

"This morning I received a report from the National Nutrition Agency (BGN) that 20 million school children, children who are not yet in school, pregnant women, and breastfeeding mothers, have received free nutritious meals every day," he said.

As for the Annual Session of the MPR RI and the Joint Session of the DPR-DPD RI in 2025, Prabowo also expressed his special appreciation to the Head of BGN and all its members for their dedication.

He said that within just seven months, Indonesia managed to achieve something faster than other countries that needed dozens of years.

"I have met with Brazil's president and former Brazilian president. Brazil, it takes 11 years to reach 40 million MBG every day," he said.

Prabowo also emphasized that the Indonesian nation has great ability if it has a strong determination.

"We sometimes have to admit that our nation has the ability, our nation if there is a will, we can do a lot together. There are so many management problems, we have to deal with so that this program goes well," he added.

He also highlighted the importance of physical development, supply chain management, as well as program manager and implementer training.

"Once again I would like to thank the head of BGN. Brother, and your members have worked well," he said.

Prabowo also thanked all parties who have supported the implementation of the MBG, including the TNI, Polri, NU, Muhammadiyah, various community organizations, cooperatives, and foundations that have jointly formed the Nutrition Program Implementation Unit (SPPG) in all provinces.

"MBG is not just a social program, but a foundation to create a healthy, intelligent, and productive generation," he said.

According to him, even the United Nations (UN) admits that MBG is one of the best forms of investment that a country can make.

He added that although it had only been running for eight months, the positive impact of MBG began to appear, in fact, the number of attendance and achievements of children in schools increased.

Prabowo said that to this day, 5,800 SPPGs have been formed in 38 provinces, creating 290 thousand new jobs in kitchens, and involving more than one million farmers, fishermen, breeders, and MSME actors.

"The MBG program encourages economic growth in village villages," he concluded.