President Prabowo says MBG could deliver 35x economic returns

Washington DC, Thekabarnews.com—President Prabowo Subianto said again that Indonesia is committed to fighting hunger and child malnutrition through the Free Meals Program (MBG). This program will have long-term economic benefits.

President Prabowo spoke at the U.S. Chamber of Commerce on Thursday, February 19, 2026, for the US–ASEAN Business Summit. He said that the project was a beneficial way to invest in the people of Indonesia.

The president said that many international groups think that MBG programs are beneficial ways to make decisions about policy. In addition, Prabowo said that research done in the United States shows that every dollar spent on MBG for kids can bring in at least seven dollars in economic benefits. He also said that the long-term return on investment could be 35 times higher than the initial cost.

“Research shows that for every dollar spent on giving free meals to kids, the return is at least seven dollars, and in the long run it can be as high as 35 times,” Prabowo said in his speech.

The main goals of the MBG program are to improve public health, help kids learn better, and make them healthier. The government sees the project as part of a bigger plan to make sure there will be enough skilled workers in the future.

For a long time, economists have said that spending money on nutrition for young children can lower healthcare costs, get more kids to school, and make them more productive in the long run. Also, not getting enough food as a child can have long-term effects on your growth, income, and ability to participate in the economy.

The Indonesian government wants to show that fighting hunger is beneficial for the country’s growth. Therefore, they plan to make MBG a way to help people and the economy at the same time.

Prabowo’s speech at the summit shows that Jakarta wants to work with investors and partners from other countries. At the same time, it also shows off its policy goals. He did not just see the program as help; he saw it as an investment in the future that would make Indonesia’s economy stronger.

The government says that fixing child malnutrition is still a big part of its long-term development plan. This is because Indonesia wants to grow in a way that includes everyone.