Prabowo presses for integrity, accountability in free meal program

hartono · Wednesday at 11:52 PM

Prabowo presses for integrity, accountability in free meal program

Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto delivers his speech at the Building Indonesia’s Future Generations Through Nutrition event in Bogor District, West Java, on Wednesday (June 3, 2026). ANTARA/HO-BPMI Sekretariat Presiden

Jakarta (ANTARA) - Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto on Wednesday stressed the importance of upholding integrity and accountability in implementing the Free Nutritious Meal (MBG) program to reach its true goals without deviations.

Speaking at the Building Indonesia's Future Generations Through Nutrition event in Bogor District, West Java, he emphasized that the government is committed to ensuring the success of the MBG program by preventing abuse of power or misappropriation in its implementation.

According to Prabowo, the decision to replace several parties involved in the program's implementation was made after receiving reports regarding shortcomings, irregularities, and alleged deviations on the ground.

He noted that while the decision was not easy, he recalled the advice of his late father, Prof. Sumitro Djojohadikusumo, who emphasized the importance of standing with the people in every decision-making process.

The president assessed that leadership quality is a key factor in an organization's success, including in the implementation of the free meal program.

On that occasion, he also emphasized the role of the Indonesian Development Activist Graduates (SPPIs) as the primary implementers of the program on the ground, including in managing MBG kitchens across various regions.

He noted that SPPIs have been prepared to lead and manage the program's execution by instilling values of service to the nation and state.

Furthermore, President Prabowo urged all MBG kitchen managers and SPPIs to bolster oversight to prevent practices that could undermine public trust in the program.

The MBG program was launched in early 2025 to improve the nutritional status of children under five, pregnant women, breastfeeding mothers, and schoolchildren up to the high school level.