January 6, 2026 | 06:44 am
Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto denied allegations that the Free Nutritious Meal (MBG) program was a ploy to garner support for the 2029 Presidential Election. Prabowo claimed that the project was aimed at improving the nutrition of Indonesian children.
Prabowo voiced his denial while delivering a speech at the 2025 National Christmas Celebration. "There are accusations, 'Oh, Prabowo created MBG so that he will be reelected in 2029.' Always thinking negatively," said Prabowo at the event held in Senayan, Jakarta on Monday, January 5, 2026.
Prabowo stated that the MBG program originated from a desire to improve the nutrition of the nation's children. He recounted his encounters with malnourished Indonesian children during his presidential campaign. In some areas, he said, there were 9-year-old children whose bodies were no larger than those of 4-year-old children.
Nevertheless, with various programs such as MBG, Prabowo believes that he cannot be blamed if the people choose to elect him again in the 2029 Presidential Election. "But if the people choose me in 2029, what is my fault?" he said.
Prabowo mentioned that whether he becomes president again or not is in God's hands. If God does not allow it, he said, he cannot change that decision by any means. Prabowo also referred to his three previous presidential election defeats before eventually becoming president.
At present, Prabowo claims that he will work for all sides as the head of state. "Because now I do not belong to just one party. I belong to the entire Indonesian nation," said the Chairman of the Gerindra Party.
In his speech, Prabowo also expressed his desire for all parties in Indonesia to unite. According to Prabowo, unity must still take precedence even though each party has differences and past mistakes.
Additionally, Prabowo also addressed various criticisms stating that unity, especially among the elite, is undemocratic. According to Prabowo, competition is a good thing. However, he stated that all parties should unite after competing.
"Compete well, but once the match is over, unite. Unite. Some say that unity is undemocratic. Really? Democracy is allowed. Corrections are allowed. Criticism is good," said the former defense minister.
Despite considering criticism as a good thing, Prabowo emphasized that criticism should not turn into slander. "Slander is not good. All religions do not allow slander. I am certain that it is the same in the Christian religion," said Prabowo in front of the audience at the 2025 National Christmas Celebration.
Read: BGN Chief Says Free Nutritious Meal Program Scales Up as Service Improves
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