Jokowi Says Free Nutrition Eating Is Done Gradually

President Jokowi (Photo: dock. Antara)

JAKARTA - President Joko Widodo (Jokowi) said that Indonesia must continue structural reforms, maintain healthy and credible fiscal policies, and improve collaboration in fiscal, monetary and financial policies.

"The design of spending and income and financing needs to be designed flexibly, by providing fiscal space to anticipate uncertainty, and supporting sustainable development in the transition to government transition," he said in a speech delivering the 2025 RAPBN and Financial Notes, at the DPR Building, Jakarta, Friday, August 16.

Jokowi said that based on this, the short-term policy route would be focused on accelerating economic growth to strengthen welfare and equitable distribution between regions.

Jokowi said that the first thing, namely, Free Nutrition Food (MBG) is directed to improve children's nutrition as well as empower MSMEs, and improve the economy of small communities in the regions.

"The Free Nutrition Eating Program is carried out in stages, aligned with technical and institutional readiness, as well as accountable governance," he said.

Furthermore, second, namely the program to accelerate school renovations to improve access, quality, and link and match education with the business world, as well as the development of superior schools. A conducive education ecosystem will also be developed.

"Third, to encourage productivity, maintain supply, and affordability of food prices, it is necessary to strengthen food barns and irrigation networks," he said.

Jokowi said that the fourth is to improve the community's economy, it is necessary to increase cheap housing financing for the people. Fifth, increase capital for MSMEs.

Previously, the Government had prepared a budget of IDR 71 trillion for the Free Nutrition Food program in the 2025 State Revenue and Expenditure Budget Draft (RAPBN). Meanwhile, Free Nutrition Food (MBG) is the mainstay program of the Presidential and Vice President Elect Prabowo Subianto-Gibran Rakabuming Raka.