President Prabowo answers MBG’s criticism: Am I insulting my country?

Jakarta, Thekabarnews.com—Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto has instructed Presidential Chief of Staff M. Qodari to collect video clips that claim he insulted Indonesia through the free meals program (MBG).

President Prabowo spoke at the opening of the National Police’s Food Security Warehouse and Nutrition Fulfillment Service Units (SPPG) on Friday, February 13, in Palmerah, West Jakarta. Meanwhile, the president addressed complaints that were going around about the initiative.

“Mr. Qodari, please get the video clips that claim we will fail and the ones that say I insult the Indonesian country through MBG,” Prabowo stated, as quoted at Kompas.

President Prabowo said he didn’t understand why some people claimed that the MBG program tarnishes the country’s image. In addition, he stressed that the goal of the program is to protect Indonesia’s children by improving their nutrition and increasing their human capital.

“I want to see them every night. It is okay. Am I really denigrating my country?” The president asked.

President Prabowo stressed that he has devoted his life to Indonesia since he served as a second lieutenant in the
Indonesian Military (TNI). Furthermore, Prabowo strongly denied that he would try to hurt the country on purpose.

“I will spend the rest of my life saving and building this country. I want to die on the road to truth and protect my people’s safety and justice. It is an honor for a soldier to give up his life for his country. How could I hurt it?” President Prabowo said.

The government has made the free meals program (MBG) one of its top priorities to help reduce stunting, improve child development, and support long-term economic growth. Supporters have praised it. However, detractors have questioned how practical and easy it will be to put into action.

President Prabowo concluded by urging the audience to examine the program’s outcomes collectively. He expressed his confidence that its outcomes would ultimately demonstrate their impact.