Prabowo: Bill Gates to Support Free Nutritious Meal Program in Indonesia

TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto announced that the founder of Microsoft, Bill Gates, will visit Indonesia on Wednesday, May 7, 2025. Bill Gates is coming to offer support for the implementation of the Free Nutritious Meal (MBG) program.

"The request for his visit has been submitted since November. One of the objectives is to express support and appreciation for the nutritious meal program that we are running," said Prabowo during the Full Cabinet Session at the Presidential Palace, Central Jakarta, on Monday, May 5, 2025.

The former Minister of Defense mentioned that Bill Gates plans to provide assistance for the MBG program. However, Prabowo has not been informed about the form of assistance.

"Nevertheless, I emphasize that whether there's assistance or not, whether there's appreciation or not, this program is an investment for the children of the nation," he said.

Prabowo stated that the MBG program has not yet reached its target. He aims for the program to cover 82.9 million recipients by December 2025.

"If we succeed in delivering nutritious, clean, and safe food to 82.9 million of our people every day, then we truly deserve congratulations," said Prabowo.

Deputy Finance Minister Suahasil Nazara mentioned that the government has disbursed funds for MBG until April 29 amounting to Rp 2.3 trillion. There has been an acceleration in fund distribution compared to the end of February 2025.

Suahasil explained that the realization of MBG spending has significantly increased compared to February, which was only Rp 300 billion. "So, there has been an additional Rp 2 trillion during March and April. That means Rp 1 trillion per month. There has been an acceleration," said Suahasil during the State Budget Press Conference at the Ministry of Finance office, on Wednesday, April 20, 2025.

The use of MBG funds has reached beneficiaries including preschool, elementary, junior high, senior high schools, Islamic boarding schools, special needs schools, toddlers, and pregnant women. The total number of recipients until April 29, 2025, was 3,265 individuals. Meanwhile, the number of nutritional fulfillment service units (SPPG) that have been operational is 1,102 SPPG.

The program funds managed by the National Nutrition Agency are paid using the 2025 State Budget. This year, the nutritious meal budget is set at Rp 71 trillion. However, the government will add another Rp 100 trillion.

Previously, the free nutritious meal program targeted 17.9 million beneficiaries, consisting of 15.5 million schoolchildren and 2.4 million pregnant and lactating women, as well as toddlers. This target has now been increased to a total of 82.9 million recipients, necessitating additional funding.

The Ministry of Finance, he said, has prepared the additional funds. "We have allocated an increase of Rp 171 trillion because in the fourth quarter of 2025, 82.9 million recipients are targeted," he said.

Ilona Estherina contributed to this report.

Editor's Choice: Prabowo Claims 99.99% Success Rate for Free Nutritious Meal Program

Click here to get the latest news updates from Tempo on Google News

Prabowo Rejects 'Puppet President' Label, Denies Jokowi's Control

7 jam lalu

Prabowo Claims 99.99% Success Rate for Free Nutritious Meal Program

8 jam lalu

Jokowi Responds to Calls for VP Gibran's Impeachment

11 jam lalu

Prabowo Praises Jokowi's Inflation Control in Cabinet Session, Denies Link to Gibran's Presence

12 jam lalu

BGN Chief Aims for Zero Accidents in Free Nutritious Meal Program

14 jam lalu

Prabowo Holds Plenary Cabinet Session at Palace This Afternoon

14 jam lalu

Prabowo to Host Cambodian Senate President This Afternoon

21 jam lalu

Anthony Albanese Makes Indonesia His First Visit After Winning Australian Election

21 jam lalu

Prabowo Congratulates Anthony Albanese on Reelection as Australian PM

21 jam lalu

Prabowo Urged to Stop Dedi Mulyadi's Policy of Sending Children to Military Barracks

22 jam lalu