Prabowo pushes Free Meals program to tackle hunger in Indonesia

..I do not think there is anything more urgent than an empty stomach. If a hungry person's stomach is not filled immediately, then they will die,

Jakarta (ANTARA) - President Prabowo Subianto emphasized that the Free Nutritious Meals (MBG) program is important for addressing hunger and meeting the nutritional needs of the public, especially children.

"Those who oppose MBG should come here. Ask the farmers and fishermen. Ask the children. Is MBG necessary or not?" Prabowo said while attending the 17th National Week of the Indonesian Farmers and Fishermen Contact Group (KTNA) in Gorontalo, as monitored from a broadcast here on Wednesday.

The President said that food security is a fundamental issue that must receive the government's attention.

"Some intelligent people say there are things more urgent than an empty stomach. I do not think there is anything more urgent than an empty stomach. If a hungry person's stomach is not filled immediately, then they will die," he remarked.

Prabowo noted that various international institutions have warned of the potential rise in global hunger in recent years.

According to him, the number of people experiencing hunger worldwide continues to increase, making it necessary for every country to strengthen its domestic food security.

He said that Indonesia is currently in a better position because national food production has increased and has begun recording surpluses in several commodities.

The President stated that these conditions enable Indonesia to assist other countries that require food supplies or fertilizers.

In addition to improving the nutritional quality of the population, the MBG program is also considered capable of supporting the absorption of domestic agricultural and fisheries products.

Prabowo affirmed that the government will continue to safeguard national food security as part of efforts to protect the public from the threat of a global food crisis.

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Translator: Aditya, Kenzu

Editor: M Razi Rahman

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