Prabowo Defends Budget Allocations for National Food Program Amid Scrutiny
Jakarta – Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto addressed concerns regarding the funding of his administration’s flagship Makan Bergizi Gratis (MBG), or Free Nutritious Food program, revealing he faced criticism for allegedly diverting funds saved through government efficiency measures. Speaking at a Business Summit with the US Chamber of Commerce in Washington D.C. On Wednesday, February 18, 2026, President Subianto asserted that these savings were deliberately channeled into the MBG initiative, prioritizing tangible benefits for citizens over bureaucratic expenditures. The program, designed to provide free, nutritious meals to children, has become a central pillar of his administration’s efforts to bolster both public health and economic growth.
Subianto explained that the funds in question were recovered from areas previously susceptible to inefficiency and corruption. “I did this using the savings we generated from inefficiencies and misuse of state funds,” he stated, as reported by Kompas TV. “The funds I saved should have evaporated due to corruption.” This assertion underscores a commitment to fiscal responsibility and a redirection of resources towards social welfare programs. The President’s comments come as his administration seeks to attract foreign investment and demonstrate a stable economic environment, and the MBG program is being presented as a key component of that strategy.
Rockefeller Institute Study Highlights MBG’s Economic Impact
President Subianto highlighted the positive reception the MBG program has received from international institutions, specifically citing a study conducted by the Rockefeller Institute of Government. According to Subianto, the Institute’s research indicated a significant positive economic impact resulting from the program. “They told me that this is the wisest choice and the best investment a country can make,” he shared with attendees at the US Chamber of Commerce event. “Because for every US$1 spent on free meals for children, the return, according to their research, is at least US$7, and in the long term, it could provide returns of up to 35 times that amount.” This potential return on investment is a key argument in defending the program’s budgetary allocations and demonstrating its long-term value.
The Rockefeller Institute’s interest in the MBG program reflects a growing global focus on the link between nutrition, education, and economic development. While the full report from the Rockefeller Institute has not yet been publicly released, the preliminary findings presented by President Subianto suggest a compelling case for investing in childhood nutrition as a driver of economic growth. The Institute, known for its non-partisan research and policy analysis, adds credibility to the program’s potential benefits.
Domestic Economic Indicators Show Positive Trends
Beyond the international validation, President Subianto pointed to emerging domestic economic indicators as evidence of the MBG program’s success. He noted that consumer spending in January 2026 reached its highest level in the past 10-15 years, attributing this surge, in part, to the increased purchasing power resulting from the program. This increase in domestic consumption is a positive sign for the Indonesian economy, suggesting a broader economic stimulus effect from the MBG initiative.
Currently, the MBG program operates through 23,000 Satuan Pelayanan Pemenuhan Gizi (SPPG), or Nutritional Fulfillment Service Units, each employing approximately 50 individuals. This has created a significant number of jobs, particularly for women in rural areas. The program’s demand for locally sourced ingredients – including chicken, eggs, and vegetables – is also providing a guaranteed market for farmers, bolstering the agricultural sector. This localized economic impact is a key feature of the MBG program, designed to stimulate growth from the ground up.
“Relocation of Resources,” Not Extravagant Spending
President Subianto directly addressed the criticism surrounding the program’s funding, characterizing it not as “extravagant spending,” but as a “relocation of resources.” He emphasized that the funds were not being wasted but were strategically redirected from areas of inefficiency to a program with demonstrable social and economic benefits. This framing is crucial in countering accusations of fiscal mismanagement and reinforcing the narrative of responsible governance. The President’s defense of the program’s funding model is likely to be a recurring theme as his administration continues to implement the MBG initiative and seeks to garner broader public support.
The assertion that the funds were “saved” from corruption is a significant claim, suggesting a crackdown on illicit financial practices within the government. While specific details regarding these savings were not provided during the US Chamber of Commerce address, the implication is that the MBG program is, in part, funded by recovering previously misappropriated funds. This narrative resonates with a public increasingly concerned about corruption and demanding greater transparency from their government.
The program’s impact extends beyond immediate nutritional benefits. By creating employment opportunities and stimulating demand for agricultural products, the MBG initiative is fostering a multiplier effect throughout the Indonesian economy. This bottom-up approach to economic development is intended to promote inclusive growth and reduce income inequality. The success of the program will likely be closely monitored by other developing nations seeking innovative solutions to address food security and economic challenges.
As Indonesia continues to implement the MBG program, the focus will be on ensuring its long-term sustainability and maximizing its impact. The government will require to address logistical challenges related to food procurement and distribution, as well as monitor the program’s effectiveness in improving nutritional outcomes for children. The ongoing collaboration with institutions like the Rockefeller Institute will be crucial in refining the program and demonstrating its value to both domestic and international stakeholders.
The Indonesian government is actively seeking foreign investment to support its economic development goals, and the MBG program is being presented as a demonstration of the country’s commitment to social progress and economic stability. President Subianto’s recent visit to Washington D.C. And his address to the US Chamber of Commerce were part of a broader effort to strengthen economic ties with the United States and attract investment in key sectors of the Indonesian economy.
The success of the MBG program will depend on continued government commitment, effective implementation, and ongoing monitoring and evaluation. The program’s potential to improve the health and well-being of Indonesian children, while simultaneously stimulating economic growth, makes it a key priority for the Subianto administration. The coming months will be critical in demonstrating the program’s long-term viability and solidifying its position as a cornerstone of Indonesia’s development strategy.
Looking ahead, the Indonesian government is expected to release further details regarding the Rockefeller Institute’s full report on the MBG program. This report will provide a more comprehensive assessment of the program’s economic impact and inform future policy decisions. The government is also expected to continue engaging with international partners to share best practices and secure additional support for the MBG initiative.
The next key development to watch will be the release of the full Rockefeller Institute report, anticipated within the next quarter. This report is expected to provide a detailed analysis of the program’s economic impact and offer recommendations for future improvements. Readers are encouraged to share their thoughts and perspectives on the MBG program in the comments section below.