February 13, 2026 | 01:27 pm
TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - President Prabowo Subianto has instructed his Presidential Chief of Staff, Muhammad Qodari, to gather video clips of individuals criticizing the implementation of the Free Nutritious Meals (MBG) program. He made this request during a speech at the inauguration and groundbreaking ceremony of the Indonesian National Police Nutrition Fulfillment Service Unit (SPPG Polri) and the inauguration of a Food Resilience Warehouse at the Palmerah Police Sector, West Jakarta.
Prabowo initially spoke about the criticism directed at him regarding the implementation of the MBG program. He mentioned that there were educated individuals and professors who had mocked and predicted the failure of this priority initiative.
"This campaign is tarnishing the president elected directly by the people," said Prabowo on Friday, February 13, 2026.
Prabowo then touted the achievements of the MBG project. According to him, the first year of the program's implementation has benefited 60 million recipients across Indonesia.
The Gerindra Party chief patron stated that the number of MBG beneficiaries is equivalent to feeding the entire population of South Africa every day. "Or equivalent to 10 times Singapore, or twice Malaysia," he said.
Prabowo asserted that he will continue to implement the program, expressing his belief that he is on the right path. "We want to save children, and yet they say it's an insult," Prabowo remarked.
Based on this, he asked his subordinates to collect digital recordings of statements made by those who criticized the program. Prabowo stated that this collection of videos would be his nightly viewing material.
He claimed that he had no intention of insulting Indonesia when launching the MBG project. Prabowo maintained that he only enacted policies based on the truth he believed in.
"From a young age, as a second lieutenant, I had nothing; I am ready to die for the republic, how could I want to insult it? No," he said. "The rest of my life is only to save and build Indonesia."
Read: Prabowo Rejects Claims MBG Program Wastes State Funds
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