Daftarsbmptn.com – Defense Minister and President-elect Prabowo Subianto responded to accusations that the Free Nutritious Meals (MBG) program was politically motivated ahead of 2029. Prabowo emphasized that the policy was designed purely for the public interest and to improve the quality of Indonesia’s human resources, not as a long-term political tool.
Issues regarding the political content of the MBG program have recently been widely discussed in the public sphere, particularly on social media and various political discussion forums. The program, which targets schoolchildren, pregnant women, and vulnerable groups, is considered by some to have electoral dimensions due to its direct, broad impact on the community. In response, Prabowo stated that the political narrative should not obscure the policy’s primary objectives.
“This program is designed to address the nation’s fundamental issues, namely nutrition, health, and the future of the younger generation. The focus is clearly on the interests of the people, not political agendas,” Prabowo emphasized in a statement to the media.
According to Prabowo, the issues of stunting, nutritional inequality, and the quality of child health are real challenges that require serious and sustained government intervention. The MBG program, he continued, is a long-term investment whose benefits cannot be measured within a five-year political cycle.
He also emphasized that the program’s implementation involves various ministries and institutions and is monitored through transparency and accountability mechanisms. Therefore, the MBG is not a personal or group program, but rather a state policy implemented institutionally.
On the other hand, public policy observers believe that programs with significant social impacts often overlap with political perceptions. However, as long as implementation is transparent, measurable, and based on community needs, accusations of politicization are difficult to substantiate.
“All public policies certainly have political impacts, but that is different from political intent,” said one policy analyst.
Prabowo also invited the public to judge the MBG program based on its tangible results and benefits on the ground, not on political assumptions. He emphasized that the government is open to criticism and input, including on technical implementation, budgeting, and benefit distribution, to ensure the program is on target.
“Please monitor, criticize, and provide input. The important thing is that this program is running well and has a positive impact on the people,” he added.
The MBG program itself was designed as part of Indonesia’s grand strategy for human development. The government is targeting improving the nutritional quality of children from an early age as a foundation for improving education quality, workforce productivity, and long-term national competitiveness. With national coverage and targeting millions of beneficiaries, this program is one of the largest social policies in recent years.
Regarding budgetary concerns, Prabowo ensured that fiscal planning was carried out carefully. The government, he said, would optimize state spending to ensure priority programs continued without disrupting economic stability. Furthermore, the involvement of local businesses and MSMEs in the MBG supply chain is also expected to have an additional economic impact in the regions.
Responding to political issues leading up to 2029, Prabowo considered it premature to draw political conclusions from policies that have only just begun to be implemented. He urged all parties to separate development agendas from political speculation that could polarize society.
“If this program is successful, the Indonesian people will benefit. That must be the primary measure,” he concluded.
With this clarification, Prabowo hopes that public discourse can refocus on the substance of the policy and its tangible benefits to the community. The government also reaffirmed its commitment to ensuring that the MBG runs according to its initial objectives, namely to improve the welfare and quality of life of the people in a sustainable manner, regardless of evolving political dynamics.