TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - President Prabowo Subianto questioned laborers on the benefits of the Free Nutritious Meal (MBG) program during the International Labor Day celebration at the National Monument area, Jakarta, on Friday, May 1, 2026. Prabowo emphasized his view that the program remains crucial for Indonesia.

Prabowo inquired about the workers' opinions while delivering a speech from the May Day Fiesta stage at Monas. At the time, he was referring to social programs initiated by his administration. "We also provide very large social protection," he told the audience.

One of those social programs, the Gerindra Party chief patron stated, is the MBG. "We also provide MBG. I ask you all, is MBG beneficial or not?" Prabowo asked.

However, Prabowo's question was not answered uniformly by the labor masses. Some expressed approval while others voiced disagreement.

The former Minister of Defense then continued his speech by highlighting the importance of MBG in helping children overcome stunting. On the other hand, Prabowo also mentioned that the program could boost the national economy.

"MBG is very important for our children. All of our children experience malnutrition; their bodies are small, their cells do not develop. With MBG, our economy is thriving everywhere," he said.

According to him, the impact of MBG can be felt by the workers because the program generates stable demand for meat, eggs, milk, fish, and agricultural products. "Our economy is thriving, farmers get income, all of you. This money circulates. Indonesia becomes more prosperous," Prabowo said.

President Prabowo’s government continues to accelerate the realization of the MBG project for approximately 82 million beneficiaries. This program is a flagship initiative promised during the 2024 Presidential Election.

Calls for Targeted Allocation

Several economists, however, have urged the government to cut the MBG budget. Trimming the program's expenditure is considered the easiest option amidst the government's plan to streamline ministry and agency budgets to avoid a state budget deficit.

Professor Didin Damanhuri of Bogor Agricultural University (IPB) stated that the MBG budget, allocated 335 trillion rupiah this year, should focus specifically on areas with high stunting and malnutrition rates. Based on his calculations, with a reallocation of the budget, the MBG would likely only require around 40 to 50 trillion rupiah.

"So, other budgets can avoid deficits, finance oil price increases, finance social assistance, and meet various development needs," Didin said in an online discussion on Tuesday, March 17, 2026.

Economist Dipo Satria Ramli from the Center of Reform on Economics (CORE) Indonesia suggested a similar approach. "All rating agencies and many economists have commented; it should just cut the MBG, it's the easiest and simplest," he said.

Trimming the MBG budget is deemed to provide positive sentiment to the market and economic players, signaling that the government understands current fiscal issues. The global rating agency, Fitch Ratings, previously highlighted the MBG program, warning that it risks causing state budget expenditures to swell beyond the set target.

Ervana Trikarinaputri and Ilona Estherina contributed to this article

Read: Prabowo Defends MBG: What's Wrong with Funding the People?

Click here to get the latest news updates from Tempo on Google News