VOINews, Jakarta: Following his inauguration in a plenary session of the People’s Consultative Assembly (MPR) on October 20, 2024, President Prabowo Subianto has already taken concrete steps in his new role, demonstrating his dedication to the welfare of Indonesian citizens. One of his first notable actions was organizing a retreat for his “Merah Putih” (Red and White) Cabinet at the Indonesian Military Academy in Magelang, Central Java, from October 24-27. The event served as both a strategic planning session and a moment to underscore his priority programs.
Central to President Prabowo’s early initiatives is the Free Nutritious Meal Program, which aims to support national health and well-being. Although his administration is still in its first 100 days, the program has already seen decisive actions, showcasing the President’s resolve in establishing a sustainable foundation for Indonesia's future, particularly as part of the broader “Indonesia Emas 2045” vision.
During the retreat on October 26, President Prabowo made a visit to the headquarters of the Free Nutritious Meal Service Unit in Magelang. Accompanied by key cabinet members, including Cabinet Secretary Teddy Indra Wijaya, National Nutrition Agency Head Dadan Hindayana, and National Development Planning Minister and Bappenas Head Rachmat Pambudy, he inspected the facility, which is close to the academy. The visit aimed to assess the program’s readiness and identify areas for improvement.
The Head Manager of the Magelang Service Unit, Fahmi Idris, shared that President Prabowo expressed positive feedback about the facility. The President’s visit was symbolic of his commitment to ensuring the program’s success, as the site serves as a model for future Free Nutritious Meal centers across Indonesia.
Dadan Hindayana echoed this sentiment, noting that the President had left clear instructions to implement the program thoroughly and effectively. With an ambitious goal to reach over 80 million beneficiaries, the Free Nutritious Meal Program represents a cornerstone of Prabowo’s administration. The program aims to address nutrition gaps, particularly for children and pregnant women, in a strategic push to improve the nation’s overall health standards.
During the visit, President Prabowo examined the facility’s kitchen setup, observing how meals are prepared to meet nutritional guidelines. A menu displayed on the facility’s wall emphasized the specific nutrition targets for each meal: 28.05 grams of protein, 17.96 grams of fat, 98.17 grams of carbohydrates, and 629 kilocalories of energy. The meals for the day included rice, vegetables like carrots, tomatoes, and green beans, as well as a serving of chicken and packaged milk, showcasing a balanced diet.
The Free Nutritious Meal Program also served as a discussion topic in the retreat, where the Cabinet laid out its agenda for the coming years. Before heading to Magelang, Prabowo had emphasized his administration’s seriousness about the program, calling for a concerted effort across all ministries and agencies to deliver efficiently and accurately.
In his first full cabinet meeting on October 23, Prabowo reinforced this message, instructing that the Free Nutritious Meal Program be a top priority. “Nutritious food for children and expectant mothers is a strategic issue,” he stated firmly. “Anyone unwilling to support this initiative is welcome to leave my administration. We are one team, and everyone must believe in this mission.”
In less than a week since his inauguration, President Prabowo has shown a clear commitment to his ambitious vision. Together with Vice President Gibran Rakabuming Raka and the Merah Putih Cabinet, he aims to lead Indonesia toward a healthier and more prosperous future.
