November 23, 2025 | 08:15 pm
TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - Vice President Gibran Rakabuming Raka highlighted Indonesia’s free nutritious meal program, known as MBG, during the plenary session of the G20 High-Level Conference (HLC) in Johannesburg, South Africa, on Saturday, November 22, 2025.
Coordinating Minister for Economic Affairs Airlangga Hartarto said the Vice President emphasized that food security is not just an economic concern, but also a fundamental human need and a strategic investment.
According to the Leaders Report presented at the plenary, 720 million people worldwide still suffer from hunger.
"The free nutritious meal program can serve as a tangible example that promotes the use of local products, empowers farmers and breeders, and expands economic activities, with supply chains reaching every corner of Indonesia," Airlangga said in a video statement shared with Tempo on Sunday, November 23, 2025.
Gibran also stressed that many disasters are not purely natural but are often worsened by human actions. Citing crises in Gaza, Ukraine, Sudan, the Sahel region, and other areas, he called for putting humanity at the center of global governance and encouraged the G20 to set an example.
"What Indonesia began during its 2022 G20 leadership is now being continued by South Africa, particularly in promoting inclusivity, strengthening the role of the Global South in global economic governance, and ensuring that the G20 represents the interests of all nations," Airlangga added.
Gibran attended the summit’s first day alongside 37 heads of state and government, as well as leaders from the United Nations, the International Monetary Fund, the World Bank, and other international organizations.
The discussions covered sustainable economic development, global resilience in the face of disasters and climate change, and emerging challenges such as artificial intelligence and the management of critical minerals.
President Prabowo Subianto appointed Vice President Gibran to represent him at the summit due to overlapping domestic commitments, Cabinet Secretary Teddy Indra Wijaya explained on November 21, 2025.
Over the two-day forum, Gibran delivered a speech on behalf of the President, reaffirming Indonesia’s positions on key global issues and engaging with world leaders to strengthen international cooperation.
Hendrik Yaputra contributed to the writing of this article.
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