8 Important Points For Prabowo And Steve Forbes Dialogues, Leadership To MBG

Presiden Prabowo Subianto dan Steve Forbes dalam forum Forbes Global Conference CEO di Hotel St Regis, Jakarta, Rabu (15/10/2025) malam. (dok Setneg)

JAKARTA Cabinet Secretary (Seskab) Teddy Indra Wijaya summarizes eight important points of dialogue between Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto and Chairman & Editor-in-Chief Forbes Media, Steve Forbes, at the Forbes Global CEO Conference 2025 event in Jakarta, Wednesday 15 October. The discussion highlighted Forbes' views on Prabowo's leadership as well as a number of the main policies of the Indonesian government, including the Free Nutrition Food (MBG) program.

In a statement posted on social media, Thursday, October 16, Teddy said that Steve Forbes assessed that the world needs leaders such as Prabowo Subianto who are firm, rational, and oriented towards peace. Forbes also praised Prabowo's speech at the UN General Assembly last September which was considered brave for calling for the recognition of two countries for Israel and Palestine.

The speech shows a firm and future-minded leadership that is needed by the world. Indonesia has a very strong leader," said Forbes, as quoted by Teddy.

In the dialogue, the atmosphere also melted when Forbes alluded to Prabowo's sense of humor. The president then told a funny story when attending an event with Fadli Zon who at that time was surrounded by a young British graduate. I want to pay attention, so I said, 'Actually I went to Oxford.' They were shocked, then I continued, 'No, I just went to the bookstore in Oxford,' Prabowo said jokingly.

In addition to leadership and humor, Prabowo also mentioned the government's firm steps in eradicating illegal mining and illegal oil palm plantations. He promised to close 1,000 illegal mines and control 5 million hectares of oil palm land that do not have a permit.

Prabowo also emphasized that eradicating corruption is the main priority of his government. "Corruption is like stage four cancer. It's difficult to treat, but we have to fight it," he said in the forum.

In the field of economics and people's welfare, Prabowo highlighted the positive impact of the Free Nutrition Food (MBG) program which is believed to be able to create 1.5 million new jobs in early 2026. He is optimistic that the program will strengthen the people's economy and become a national growth motor.

In addition, he explained the role of the Red and White Village Cooperative (Kopdes) in distributing agricultural products using a fleet of cooperative trucks so that no more harvests were wasted. In the marine sector, Prabowo also revealed that the income of fishing villages increased by 100 percent thanks to the construction of ice and dock facilities.

In closing, the President emphasized the government's commitment to the highest standards in implementing the Free Nutrition Food program with the principle of 'Zero Incident'. He emphasized that the slightest error cannot be tolerated in public services, especially those concerning public health and nutrition.