Prabowo Conceived Free Nutritious Meals Program 18 Years Ago

President Prabowo Subianto had envisioned the Free Nutritious Meals (MBG) program long before assuming office as Indonesia's President. The idea was first introduced 18 years ago when Prabowo became aware of the country's persistent stunting issue.

This was revealed by his younger brother, Hashim Djojohadikusumo, who also serves as the Presidential Special Envoy for Climate and Energy. Hashim noted that despite nearly two decades passing, Indonesia’s stunting rate has only decreased by 5%.

"This program was first proposed by Prabowo 18 years ago. He shared this idea with me after witnessing the high stunting rates in Indonesia. Even today, the stunting rate stands at 25%, having only declined by 5% over the past 18 years," Hashim stated at the CNBC Indonesia Economic Outlook 2025 event in Jakarta, Wednesday (February 26, 2025).

According to Hashim, MBG is a key initiative supporting the 8% economic growth target. The government has allocated an additional Rp100 trillion through budget reallocation, bringing the total MBG funding to Rp171 trillion.

"The Rp306 trillion reallocation does not mean budget cuts, but rather a shift in spending priorities. Some less essential programs are being redirected to more impactful initiatives, such as the Free Nutritious Meals program," he explained.

With this additional budget, Hashim estimated that MBG alone could contribute 2% to national economic growth.

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