Indonesia's Free School Lunch Initiative Gains India Partnership and Long‑Term Commitment

Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto and Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi met to exchange experience on school mid‑day meal schemes. Modi said India would share its public‑distribution system and provide affordable medicines, wheat seed and sustainable agriculture technology to support Indonesia's nutrition and food‑security goals.

President’s Special Envoy for Energy and Climate, Hashim Djojohadikusumo, reaffirmed that the Makan Bergizi Gratis (MBG) program for children and pregnant women will continue as a long‑term investment. He traced the scheme to Prabowo’s 2006 vision and multiple campaign promises, emphasizing ongoing improvements in beneficiary targeting, food quality, and local vendor participation to combat stunting.

Both officials stressed that evaluation will strengthen, not halt, the program, ensuring it reaches millions of Indonesian children while deepening bilateral cooperation with India.