Prabowo Lauds Police Role in Free Nutritious Meal Program

Prabowo Lauds Police Role in Free Nutritious Meal Program

Tempatdonasi.com – On Wednesday, July 1, 2026, during the Indonesian Police Day ceremony in Jakarta, President Prabowo Subianto highlighted the critical contributions of the police force to the national initiative of providing free nutritious meals. The event, held at the Cikeas Presidential Residence in Bogor, West Java, served as a platform for the president to acknowledge the efforts of the police in ensuring the program’s success. Prabowo emphasized the role of the police in maintaining operational efficiency and quality control, stating that their involvement has significantly enhanced the effectiveness of the initiative.

“I have no doubt that the kitchens built by the police are among the best,” Prabowo remarked, addressing a gathering of officials and community representatives. His statement underscored the confidence in the police’s ability to execute the program with precision and dedication.

The president also noted that the police had established over 1,000 nutrition fulfillment service units (SPPGs), commonly referred to as MBG kitchens. These facilities, he said, are pivotal in delivering meals to vulnerable populations, particularly in remote and underdeveloped regions. Prabowo’s remarks were not limited to his personal observations; he cited the endorsement of international agencies that have evaluated the police’s work. “Most of them inspected the police-owned kitchens,” he added, reinforcing the global recognition of the program’s impact.

Meanwhile, Police Chief General Listyo Sigit Prabowo, who is also the president’s son, elaborated on the ongoing collaboration between the police institution and the government. He stated that the police will continue to support food security programs, focusing on both the expansion of MBG kitchens and the acceleration of corn cultivation. “Bapak President has instructed the acceleration of food and energy self-sufficiency,” Listyo said, highlighting the strategic alignment of the police’s efforts with national priorities.

According to Listyo, the police have partnered with state-owned banks to streamline access to business credit for farmers. This initiative, known as KUR (Kredit Usaha Rakyat), aims to empower local agricultural communities by providing financial resources for corn production. The police have also actively promoted corn cultivation on approximately 1.37 million hectares of land, which has led to substantial harvests. From 2025 to the second quarter of 2026, the program reported a total corn production of 5.7 million tons, a figure that reflects the progress made so far.

The MBG program, which targets the provision of 1,500 kitchens by the end of 2026, has seen significant achievements as of June 2026. The police have claimed to have constructed 1,415 SPPGs, with 828 already operational, 227 in the process of being activated, and 360 under development. Notably, 33 of these kitchens are located in remote, frontier, and underdeveloped areas, addressing nutritional gaps in regions that lack adequate infrastructure.

“These SPPGs are projected to serve 3.5 million beneficiaries and employ 70,700 workers,” Listyo stated, emphasizing the program’s capacity to create jobs and improve food access. His comments were delivered in the presence of President Prabowo, who has consistently praised the police’s commitment to national welfare.

The police have also taken measures to ensure the quality and safety of the meals served in SPPGs. As of the latest update, the facilities have received 348 sanitation certificates, 146 halal product assurance certificates, and 285 water laboratory test certificates. These certifications validate the adherence to hygiene and nutritional standards, which are essential for public trust. Additionally, 305 chefs have been trained to meet the program’s requirements, further strengthening its operational framework.

A notable aspect of the program is the publication of the *Rasa Bhayangkara Nusantara* cookbook, which contains 80 diverse menu options. This resource ensures that the meals provided meet the nutritional needs of the beneficiaries, including a balanced intake of proteins, carbohydrates, and essential vitamins. The cookbook also serves as a tool for standardizing food preparation across different SPPGs, promoting consistency in quality and taste.

Prabowo’s recognition of the police’s efforts highlights the importance of inter-agency cooperation in addressing food insecurity. The free nutritious meal program, which has been a cornerstone of his administration, relies heavily on the police’s logistical and administrative support. By setting up these service units, the police have not only contributed to immediate food distribution but also laid the groundwork for long-term sustainability. The program’s success is seen as a model for integrating military and civilian resources to tackle social challenges.

During the ceremony, Prabowo acknowledged the police’s active role beyond the MBG kitchens. He mentioned their participation in various food security initiatives, including the construction of “good quality” food warehouses in different regions. These warehouses are crucial for storing surplus grain and ensuring a steady supply of ingredients for meal preparation. The president’s appreciation for the police’s multifaceted contributions underscores their strategic importance in national development.

Listyo Sigit Prabowo, who has been at the forefront of implementing the program, emphasized the police’s dedication to its expansion. He outlined plans to increase the number of MBG kitchens and intensify efforts in corn planting, aligning with the government’s broader goals of self-sufficiency. The police’s collaboration with state-owned banks to facilitate KUR for farmers has been a key driver of this growth, enabling scalable agricultural production.

As the program progresses, the police aim to further optimize its operations. The existing 1,415 SPPGs are expected to meet the target of 1,500 by the end of 2026, with additional focus on enhancing the nutritional value of the meals. This includes the introduction of locally sourced ingredients and the adaptation of menus to cater to regional dietary preferences. The police have also planned to expand their training programs for staff, ensuring long-term operational excellence.

The impact of the MBG program extends beyond immediate relief; it has become a symbol of the government’s commitment to social equity. By targeting remote areas, the police have addressed the disparity in access to nutritious food, particularly for low-income families and children. The program’s emphasis on employment has also created opportunities for local residents, contributing to economic stability and community development.

Prabowo’s praise for the police’s role reflects a broader recognition of their adaptability and resourcefulness. While traditionally associated with law enforcement, the police have demonstrated their ability to support humanitarian efforts through the MBG initiative. This shift highlights the evolving responsibilities of the institution and its alignment with the government’s vision for a more resilient and equitable society.

The ceremony concluded with an emphasis on the program’s future prospects. Listyo Sigit Prabowo reiterated the police’s resolve to maintain momentum, ensuring that the SPPGs continue to operate efficiently. The combination of infrastructure development, financial support for farmers, and quality assurance measures positions the MBG program as a sustainable solution to food insecurity. As the initiative gains traction, it is expected to serve as a blueprint for other nations facing similar challenges.

Contributors to the article include Hammam Izzuddin, who has provided insights into the program’s implementation. For more updates on the Indonesian police’s efforts, readers can follow Tempo’s Google News platform, which offers real-time coverage of the nation’s key initiatives.