"On May 7, Bill Gates will come here following a letter he sent last November requesting a meeting with me. He has expressed keenness to voice his support and deliver an award for our MBG program," he informed, drawing applause from his ministers.
At a plenary Cabinet meeting at his office in Jakarta on Monday, Prabowo said that he was humbled by Gates' gesture, but emphasized that the program has not achieved its target of serving nearly 83 million beneficiaries nationwide.
"I feel flattered, but I think we have yet to deserve praise since the program has not fully succeeded. Hopefully, we will achieve the target by December 2025," he told the ministers.
The President said that the MBG program can be regarded as a success only once the government manages to consistently deliver quality, nutritious meals to targeted recipients, including pregnant women, breastfeeding mothers, toddlers, and schoolchildren.
He then affirmed that his administration will continue carrying out the program regardless of external support.
"He (Gates) said he would provide us with assistance, though I do not know in what form. However, we will remain committed to this initiative event without aid or awards because it serves as an investment for our future generations," he said.
The plenary session was attended by Vice President Gibran Rakabuming Raka and nearly all ministers and heads of central government agencies. It was held as part of a review of the Red and White Cabinet's performance in its first six months in power.
This was the third such meeting held this year, following the previous session on March 21, 2025, which was focused on preparations for Eid al-Fitr and related state responsibilities.
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Translator: Mentari D, Tegar Nurfitra
Editor: Primayanti
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