Jakarta (ANTARA) – Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto said on Wednesday that Free Nutritious Meals (MBG) programme plays an important role, particularly for people facing difficult circumstances.
Prabowo made the remarks after Nagekeo Regent Simplisius Donatus asked the programme could continue in his region during a coordination meeting on the response of an earthquake impact in Nagekeo, East Nusa Tenggara.
“For people who are well-off, one meal means a little. But for those who are struggling, especially when they have been struggling for days, it means a lot,” Prabowo said in remarks broadcast online by the Presidential Secretariat.
He said MBG’s impact may be less noticeable among better-off families. However, for those from disadvantaged backgrounds, receiving nutritious meals regularly can make a significant difference.
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Prabowo often heard stories from people who had gone to and returned from school in a hungry situation when they were children. For the reason, he considers MBG important in supporting the current generation, particularly mothers and children.
The benefit of MBG could be amplified by strengthening local economies through the Red and White Village Cooperatives and developing fishing villages.
Nagekeo Regent Donatus said his administration supported the programme’s continuation after seeing positive effects in the community. An informal survey involving teachers at schools receiving the meals found student attendance was nearly to 100 percent, he said.
Donatus also said MBG has provided economic benefits to beneficiary families. Residents involved in preparing and supplying the meals have earned additional income, helping improve household economic conditions.
He linked the economic benefits to a decline in cases of domestic violence in the region.
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Translator: Maria Cicilia, Kuntum Khaira
Editor: Fransiska Ninditya
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