Prabowo, who is also chairperson of the Gerindra Party, made the statement while delivering a speech at the 17th anniversary commemoration of the party's formation at the Sentul International Convention Center (SICC) in Bogor, West Java, on Saturday.
"I have to use Rp24 trillion for the Free Nutritious Meals. Our people, our children, must not be hungry," he said.
He explained that the government is implementing the budget efficiency in two phases, with fund collection estimated to reach Rp608 trillion.
In addition, he informed that dividends from state-owned enterprises (SOEs) have reached Rp300 trillion, with Rp100 trillion returned for working capital, bringing the estimated available funds saved from the budget efficiency policy to Rp750 trillion.
"About efficiency that is being talked about by the public: The first round of efficiency is Rp300 trillion, the second round is Rp308 trillion, and then state-owned enterprise dividends reach Rp300 trillion, but Rp100 trillion of it is returned, so we have a total of around Rp750 trillion," he said.
Of the amount, he added, Rp24 trillion will be used for the MBG program, which aims to ensure that Indonesian children do not go hungry.
"If there is a child from a wealthy family who is full and has eaten well, that is okay, their portion can be given to others," he remarked.
President Prabowo has initiated budget efficiency measures through Presidential Instruction Number 1 of 2025 concerning Spending Efficiency of the 2025 State Budget and the Regional Budget to promote the people's interests and welfare.
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Translator: Andi, Livia, Kenzu
Editor: Rahmad Nasution
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