TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - The Indonesian Women's Alliance plans to stage a symbolic protest calling on President Prabowo Subianto's administration to lower the prices of basic necessities and suspend the Free Nutritious Meals (MBG) program, which the group argues is placing an excessive burden on state finances.
Fanda Puspitasari, a representative of the alliance, said participants will bring kitchen utensils such as frying pans, woks, and other cooking equipment to symbolize the economic hardships faced by many Indonesians, particularly low-income households.
"We are bringing kitchen equipment to show what happens when people can no longer afford food and the prices of basic necessities continue to rise," Fanda said in a WhatsApp message on Wednesday, June 17, 2026.
According to Fanda, rising geopolitical tensions and increases in fuel prices have contributed to higher prices for essential goods, including rice, tofu, tempeh, chili peppers, and onions—staples commonly consumed by Indonesian households.
She argued that the impact of these rising costs has been compounded by government policies that, in her view, fail to address the public's economic struggles. Fanda criticized the continuation of the MBG program, saying the government has pressed ahead with the initiative despite allegations of corruption linked to its implementation.
"Rising food prices and growing unemployment caused by mass layoffs have left many households struggling to put food on the table," said Fanda, who is also affiliated with the Sarinah Institute.
"The kitchen utensils symbolize the reality that many ordinary people can no longer afford to cook because they lack the means to buy basic ingredients."
The alliance plans to put forward three main demands during the protest.
First, it is calling on the government to reduce the prices of basic commodities and food products, which it says have risen sharply following fuel price increases.
Second, the group is seeking a temporary suspension of the Free Nutritious Meals program. Fanda said replacing officials within the National Nutrition Agency alone would not be sufficient to address concerns surrounding the program. She argued that a comprehensive review requires an independent audit and broader reforms.
"We are demanding that the MBG program be halted temporarily because a thorough evaluation cannot be carried out while the program continues to operate," she said.
Third, the alliance is urging the Prabowo administration to fulfill its pledge to create more employment opportunities.
Fanda said unemployment remains a significant concern despite government commitments to boost job creation. She also noted that many workers continue to face the risk of layoffs amid ongoing economic uncertainty.
Data from Indonesia's Ministry of Manpower show that 23,470 workers were laid off between January and May 2026. While the figure is lower than the 46,015 layoffs recorded during the same period a year earlier, the alliance argues that job insecurity remains a pressing issue for many Indonesians.
Read: Indonesian Women's Alliance to Hold Anti-MBG Protest Tomorrow
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