"As of today, 36.7 million schoolchildren, pregnant women, breastfeeding mothers, and toddlers have benefited from the MBG program," he remarked while opening a plenary meeting of the Red and White Cabinet in Jakarta on Monday.
Speaking at the State Palace, Prabowo highlighted that the flagship program had drawn international attention and praise for its unprecedented scale, as shown by the establishment of 12,508 MBG-dedicated kitchens — officially called nutrition fulfillment service units (SPPGs) — across the country.
The President credited the National Nutrition Agency (BGN) for playing a vital role in coordinating and implementing the program on a daily basis.
He also reminded all stakeholders not to become complacent despite the program’s achievements and to maintain strict quality and safety standards to avoid any backlash.
Prabowo acknowledged that around eight thousand of the 1.4 billion portions distributed had reportedly caused health problems among beneficiaries.
"The achievement of covering 36.7 million residents is not without shortcomings, as several thousand experienced stomachaches due to suspected food poisoning," he stated, stressing that even a small number of cases must not be ignored.
He then called on BGN Head Dadan Hindayana to ensure that all SPPGs comply with strict standard operating procedures, including the use of proper equipment to minimize food safety risks.
Prabowo also encouraged greater public participation in strengthening MBG food safety by instilling healthy habits in children. He emphasized the importance of ensuring that schools provide clean water and hygiene facilities to support handwashing before meals.
"It is equally important to urge teachers to guide schoolchildren to wash their hands first if they are to eat without cutlery. All schools must be equipped with clean water systems and soap," he stressed.
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Translator: Fathur R, Tegar Nurfitra
Editor: M Razi Rahman
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