Free Nutritious Meal attracts global interest, Prabowo says

 President Prabowo Subianto emphasized that many countries are currently studying Indonesia's Free Nutritious Meals (MBG) program, as it is able to serve more than 60 million beneficiaries on a regular basis.

"Many countries are now learning about MBG from us. Because where else is there a country that can provide meals to more than 60 million people, five times a week? From pregnant mothers to vulnerable elderly people, we deliver the food," Prabowo said in Cilacap, Central Java, 

He made the statement at the groundbreaking ceremony of 13 downstreaming projects in Cilacap, Central Java, as broadcast on the Presidential Secretariat's YouTube channel.

Prabowo explained that the MBG program functions as a new economic engine, and through the Nutrition Fulfillment Service Units (SPPG) or MBG kitchens at the village level, the government acts as an offtaker to absorb agricultural and fishery products.

This system is claimed to break dependence on middlemen and maintain price stability during harvest seasons, ensuring that local food producers have a guaranteed market.

In terms of employment, President Prabowo said the program is projected to create massive job opportunities.

The government has targeted the construction of 30 thousand MBG kitchens, which are expected to absorb 1.5 million workers, as well as the activation of 81 thousand Red and White Cooperatives, projected to employ 1.4 million people in the logistics sector.

Regarding funding, the president emphasized that the budget for this program comes from government efficiency measures in reducing budget leakage caused by corruption.

"This is money we saved from corruption. We hold it back, reallocate it, and channel it to the people. I feel we are on the right path,"  he said.