Novali Panji Nugroho, Jakarta – President Prabowo Subianto said that the free nutritious meal program (MBG) comes from the funds resulting from the budget reduction policies of ministries and state institutions. He denied that the MBG project had squandered the state's finances.

"The state budget does not exceed the set parameter. Our deficit is still below the set limit, at 3 percent," said Prabowo during a speech at the inauguration and groundbreaking of the SPPG (MBG kitchen) Polri at the Palmerah Sub-district Police Station, West Jakarta, on Friday, February 13, 2026.

According to Prabowo, the assumption that MBG is wasting state funds comes from those who often criticize the government's priority program. He stated that this assumption is incorrect.

Prabowo believed that the budget resulting from the reduction is more useful when allocated to implement the MBG project. He said that if it is not allocated for MBG, then the existing budget of ministries and institutions has the potential to be corrupted by individuals.

"The culture of spending budget, the culture of carrying out unproductive activities, without benefits for the nation and people, continues to be carried out," said the Chairman of the Gerindra Party.

He said that this unproductive culture is actually wasting state funds. The people, he said, are also deceived because the state budget is actually used for personal interests.

Despite receiving criticism, Prabowo said he will continue to carry out this MBG program. He reported that the current number of beneficiaries from the government's priority program has reached 60 million. "This number is roughly equivalent to providing food for the entire population of South Africa," said the head of state.

Source: https://en.tempo.co/read/2086968/prabowo-rejects-claims-mbg-program-wastes-state-fund