Prabowo Insults the Party that Mocked MBG: Hey Smart People, Look with Your Heart Eyes

JAKARTA - President Prabowo Subianto said the sight of children who enthusiastically await the arrival of Free Nutritious Meals or MBG should be able to touch anyone's conscience because it is a strong proof of the importance of the program in society.

This was stated by Prabowo when watching a video screening of the distribution of MBG which was greeted with great joy by the beneficiaries, on the sidelines of the Initial Year Briefing in the Second Volume Retreat in Hambalang, Bogor, West Java, Tuesday, January 6.

"I don't understand, what kind of human being is not moved by seeing children like that," said Prabowo after watching the video, reported by ANTARA.

The short video was aired on the official YouTube channel of the Head of the State Secretariat, presenting the achievements of the Free Nutritious Meal (MBG) Program, which has reached 55 million beneficiaries in the one year since it was launched on January 6, 2025.

The lights in the meeting room at the Garuda Yaksa Training Center were slowly dimmed. The flash of light from the screen broke the atmosphere, showing the arrival of the MBG menu delivery vehicle that the schoolchildren had long awaited.

In the broadcast, spontaneous cheers of joy were heard as children ran and fought to get the MBG menu.

The Head of State said that during various visits to the region, he often witnessed how children eagerly waited for their turn to get MBG.

"MBG is awaited by all people. Even now I am sad, if I go to the area, the children call me, Pak, when will we receive MBG," said the President.

The President said MBG was not merely a government program, but a form of the state's presence in responding to the most basic needs of the people, especially children who have been going to school in a hungry state or with very limited nutritional intake.

Prabowo emphasized that the positive response of the public to MBG was a clear proof that the program was really needed.

The enthusiasm of children and families of beneficiaries, according to the President, actually strengthens the government's spirit to continue to improve the implementation of the program.

President Prabowo also touched on the criticism and ridicule of MBG since its launch.

However, Prabowo considered that the criticism was irrelevant when faced with the reality on the ground.

"Hey smart people, hey mocking people, look with your heart, our people, the children," said the President.