President Prabowo Subianto’s flagship programs, the Free Nutritious Meals (Makan Bergizi Gratis / MBG), People’s School (Sekolah Rakyat), and the Merah Putih Village/Urban Cooperatives (Koperasi Desa/Kelurahan Merah Putih / Kopdes), are seen as strategic initiatives to accelerate poverty eradication. These programs are not just aimed at alleviating poverty through social assistance but also at empowering individuals and communities for economic self-reliance. The head of the Poverty Eradication Acceleration Agency (BP Taskin), Budiman Sudjatmiko, likened the government’s approach to a football game, where the goal is to empower and equip individuals with skills, education, proper nutrition, and economic opportunities to score a “goal” of eradicating poverty.
Sekolah Rakyat, a boarding school program, targets breaking the cycle of poverty, while MBG and Kopdes Merah Putih offer economic benefits to communities at large. The initiatives are expected to create millions of job opportunities, benefiting various sectors such as farmers, SMEs, and village-owned enterprises. Nanik S. Deyang, the Deputy Head of BP Taskin, emphasized how these programs provide tangible hope for independence to impoverished households. For example, MBG has enhanced the operations of local producers, allowing them to expand their workforce and increase employment opportunities. Kopdes Merah Putih has also played a crucial role in streamlining supply chains, reducing costs, and providing access to affordable credit for farmers and small businesses, thereby freeing them from exploitative lending practices.
Overall, the MBG and Kopdes Merah Putih programs are viewed as instrumental in paving the way for poverty alleviation and economic empowerment in Indonesia.