In a statement issued here on Wednesday, Priyono emphasized that poverty alleviation is one of the priorities of President Prabowo Subianto.
Efforts made to achieve it include the free meals program as well as community empowerment programs, including the Family Hope Program (PKH).
"President Prabowo wants the issue of poverty in Indonesia to be resolved as soon as possible," Priyono said.
According to the deputy minister, eradicating poverty is not an easy matter.
Therefore, an effective program such as MBG is needed, which would not only ensure nutritional fulfillment of children and pregnant or breastfeeding mothers but also keep the wheels of the economy turning even in remote villages.
He informed that his ministry is also accelerating poverty eradication efforts, including by supporting 18.8 million beneficiaries of social assistance and helping 10 million PKH beneficiaries become empowered and independent.
He affirmed that people from poor families who desire to work will be provided support in exploring employment opportunities, while those who wish to become entrepreneurs will be given access to business opportunities, including through cooperatives and micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs).
Furthermore, he called for the participation of all people in poverty alleviation efforts to build a more advanced Indonesia.
The Indonesian government officially launched the Free Nutritious Meals program on January 6, 2025. A budget of Rp71 trillion (around US$4.34 billion) has been allocated for the program.
Through the program, the government aims to enhance the nutritional intake of children under five, pregnant women, breastfeeding mothers, and schoolchildren up to high school age.
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Translator: Lintang Budiyanti, Raka Adji
Editor: Azis Kurmala
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