Dinda Shabrina, Jakarta – Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto believes that the Rp10,000 (US$0.60) per portion budget for the Free Nutritious Meal (MBG) program is sufficient to provide a complete and nutritious menu, including chicken and eggs.
This was conveyed by Deputy Head of the Indonesia's National Nutrition Agency (BGN), Nanik S. Deyang, during a Coordination Meeting on Notable Issues Related to MBG Consumption at the Royal Kuningan Hotel, Jakarta, on Tuesday, October 14, 2025.
"He calculated it himself and concluded that Rp10,000 is still enough to include chicken and eggs," Nanik said. She added that President Prabowo is directly involved in designing the MBG menu to ensure Indonesian children receive adequate daily nutrition.
As part of this effort, Nanik noted that the President has instructed all Nutrition Fulfillment Service Units (SPPG) to prepare two types of side dishes every day, in addition to milk.
"Besides milk, there must be two types of side dishes, not just one," she emphasized.
Nanik explained that the President's attention to the program stems from his vision for a healthy, intelligent, and strong younger generation.
"He aspires for Indonesia's youth to grow up healthy, smart, strong, and competitive on the global stage," she said.
She also reminded all program implementers to maintain integrity in managing ingredients and avoid personal profit. "Do not cut corners, and do not mark up prices. The full budget for ingredients must be used," Nanik stressed.
Nanik emphasized that the MBG program is not a commercial venture but a tangible expression of President Prabowo's care for Indonesian children.
"This program is not a business. It reflects Mr. Prabowo's love for Indonesia's children," she said.