Prabowo Links Free Meals Program to Rising Household Consumption

Jakarta: President Prabowo Subianto said the Free Nutritious Meals (MBG) program has contributed to rising household consumption in various regions over the past year.

Speaking at the Indonesia Economic Outlook 2026 event in Jakarta on Friday, Prabowo said several regional leaders had reported tangible improvements in community welfare as a result of government policies.

“I have received reports from governors and district heads who are now witnessing real and measurable impacts from our policies,” he said while referring to the MBG program, as quoted by Antara on Saturday, February 14, 2026.

According to the president, the reports are also supported by industry and trade leaders from the Indonesian Employers Association (Apindo), who recorded an increase in household consumption in January.

Prabowo attributed the rise to the MBG initiative, which he said has stimulated economic activity down to the village and sub-district levels.

He expressed optimism that Indonesia will achieve solid economic performance this year, stressing that the government remains committed to prioritizing public welfare despite skepticism from some quarters.

In addition to stronger consumption, Prabowo noted that regional leaders had also reported declines in poverty and open unemployment rates in their respective areas.

He said the MBG program has now reached around 60.2 million beneficiaries, including children, pregnant women, and elderly individuals living alone without caregivers.

The program is regarded as a key driver of more equitable welfare distribution and a stronger national economic foundation.

Statistics Indonesia (BPS) previously recorded Indonesia’s economic growth at 5.11 percent year-on-year in 2025, mainly driven by household consumption, which expanded by 4.98 percent.

For 2026, the government has set a growth target of 5.4 percent, supported by strategic programs such as MBG and the Red and White Village Cooperatives initiative.