RADAR TULUNGAGUNG – President Prabowo Subianto admitted that the Free Nutritious Meals program, or MBG, still faces major challenges. He said corruption risks and weak integrity among officials could threaten the future of the national program.

Prabowo stated that village heads and regional leaders have started to feel the pressure of managing the MBG program. According to him, the government must face these problems honestly if it wants the initiative to succeed.

The MBG program has become one of Indonesia’s most discussed policies in recent months. The program targets school children and low-income families across the country. Prabowo said the initiative remains important despite criticism over management and oversight.

Prabowo Highlights Integrity Problems in Government

Prabowo stated that many leaders still struggle when dealing with money and authority. According to him, some public officials lose their integrity once financial interests become involved.

He admitted that Indonesia still faces deep-rooted governance problems, including weak discipline and poor accountability among certain state officials. The president said these issues cannot be ignored because they could damage public trust in the MBG program.

Prabowo also delivered a stern warning to government officials who misuse their authority. He promised that his administration would take firm action against anyone involved in corruption or irregularities connected to the program.

He stressed that the government would not hesitate to remove officials from their positions if they violate regulations or abuse public funds. The statement came amid increasing public concerns about the massive budget allocation required to sustain the nationwide free meal initiative.

MBG Program Considered Vital for Low-Income Families

Despite acknowledging various problems, Prabowo insisted that the MBG program remains extremely important for ordinary Indonesians. He said he frequently meets farmers and low-income residents who ask the government not to stop the program.

According to Prabowo, many grandparents and parents believe the free meal initiative helps children access proper nutrition every day. He argued that the program also eases financial pressure on struggling households, especially in rural areas.

The president claimed many citizens see MBG as direct evidence that the government is trying to improve public welfare. Because of that, he believes the program must continue while the administration improves monitoring systems and strengthens accountability.

Public support for the initiative remains strong in several regions because food prices and living costs continue to rise. Analysts believe the program could become one of the government’s most influential social assistance policies if managed effectively.

Merah Putih Village Cooperatives Expected to Support MBG

Prabowo revealed that the government now plans to strengthen the MBG program through the development of Merah Putih Village Cooperatives and urban cooperatives.

The administration expects these cooperatives to help stabilize food distribution, improve supply chains, and support local economic activity connected to the free meals program. Officials also hope the cooperative system can reduce dependency on large suppliers while increasing village participation.

The Merah Putih Village Cooperatives initiative has recently attracted widespread attention because the government sees it as a strategic economic instrument at the grassroots level. Supporters argue the system could empower local communities and create new business opportunities for farmers and small enterprises.

However, critics warn that the program could face similar governance risks if transparency mechanisms remain weak. Several observers have urged the government to establish strict financial audits and independent supervision to prevent misuse of public money.

Prabowo acknowledged those concerns and repeated that discipline and integrity would become the main priorities moving forward. He emphasized that the success of the MBG program depends not only on funding, but also on honest leadership and effective management.

The president concluded by saying the government remains committed to protecting the interests of ordinary Indonesians through the continuation of the MBG program and the expansion of Merah Putih Village Cooperatives nationwide.