inp.polri.go.id - Jakarta. President Prabowo Subianto believes that those involved in the graft of the Free Nutritious Meals (MBG) program are unworthy of respect and lack human values.

Prabowo made this statement in his state address at the 2026 Annual Session of the People's Consultative Assembly (MPR) and the Joint Session of the Regional Representatives Council (DPD) and the House of Representatives (DPR) at the Parliament Complex, Senayan, Jakarta, on Friday (8/14/2026).

"I consider those who took the children's food to be barbaric. These are people who deserve no respect. In my opinion, they have no human values ​​whatsoever," the President said.

In his speech, Prabowo stated that human development is the most crucial aspect of Indonesia's future and must begin with meeting basic needs, especially nutrition.

The MBG program, he said, also aims to address the problem of malnutrition still experienced by children in several regions. Prabowo stated that the prevalence of malnutrition in some areas still reaches 25 percent, or around one in four Indonesian children.

The President believes this situation should not be allowed to continue, as poor nutrition can hinder the development of children's brain cells, muscles, and bones.

"We cannot accept that one in four Indonesian children suffers from stunting; we cannot accept that," he said.

Therefore, Prabowo emphasized that the government will continue implementing the MBG program by making improvements and increasing its efficiency.

"And therefore, I am determined to continue the MBG programs with improvements and efficiency," Prabowo said.

(ad/inp/pr/rs)