State Secretary Minister Prasetyo Hadi says the government is open to proposals expanding the Free Nutritious Meals (MBG) program to include people with disabilities and street children. The statement was made in response to media questions on January 7, 2026. Additionally, President Prabowo Subianto emphasized improving procedural discipline in implementing the program.
On January 7, 2026, State Secretary Minister Prasetyo Hadi responded to journalists' questions about potentially expanding the targets of the Free Nutritious Meals (MBG) program. Currently, the program covers young children or toddlers, schoolchildren from kindergarten to vocational high school, as well as pregnant and breastfeeding mothers. Prasetyo stated that the government has not yet specifically discussed extending it to people with disabilities and street children, but he appreciates the input.
"To be honest, regarding that issue earlier, not yet, but thank you for the notes and suggestions. This is a good example of providing input to the government, in my opinion, this is one of them," Prasetyo told reporters.
He affirmed the government's commitment to remaining open to suggestions. "We continue to open ourselves, and if there is something that we, the government, have overlooked or failed to consider, please convey it to us and we will be open," he added.
The proposal arises amid President Prabowo Subianto's spotlight on MBG implementation during the ministers' and deputy ministers' retreat of the Red and White Cabinet. Prabowo specifically asked the National Nutrition Agency (BGN) to enhance procedural discipline. This is based on a note from BGN Head Dadan Hindayana recording about 15 undesired incidents related to the MBG program in December 2025.
"First, he wants the procedural discipline to be improved," Prasetyo said. The President hopes such incidents will not recur. "According to the note from the BGN Head, in December there were still about 15 incidents, which Mr. President requests to the maximum extent possible that these undesired incidents should not happen again," he stated.
These steps indicate the government's efforts to refine the national nutrition priority program while considering other vulnerable groups.
