Pakistan Shows Interest in Partnering on Indonesia's Free Nutritious Meal Program

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November 17, 2025 | 06:32 pm

TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - Pakistan has expressed interest in collaborating with Indonesia to supply raw materials for the free nutritious meal program (MBG). Pakistan's Ambassador to Indonesia, Zahid Hafeez Chaudhri, stated that the MBG program is a visionary initiative of President Prabowo Subianto.

Pakistan is keen to collaborate with Indonesia to strengthen this initiative. "We can work together in the production of dairy products, the poultry sector, and other agricultural sectors," Zahid said after meeting President Prabowo at the Presidential Palace in Jakarta on Monday, November 17, 2025.

According to Zahid, the MBG program has an impact not only on the health of Indonesian students but also on the Indonesian economy. In addition, the MBG program will not only produce a healthier generation of Indonesians but also create more job opportunities and help the Indonesian economy grow faster.

Before meeting with the Pakistani Ambassador, the Head of State highlighted the achievements of the MBG program, which has reached 44 million recipients during the launch of the digital learning program at SMPN 4 (junior high school) Bekasi City, West Java, on November 17, 2025. Prabowo claimed that 44 million recipients of free nutritious meals are one of the fastest and largest achievements of the MBG program in the world.

He mentioned that Brazilian President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva stated that his country needed 11 years to reach 40 million. "We have not reached 12 months, we have reached 44 million," Prabowo said.

However, Prabowo admitted that he is not satisfied because the target is 82.9 million. He stated that many have not yet received the MBG. "This is the fastest. Because this is public money, it must be well prepared, it must be mature so that there is no diversion," he said.

Editor's Choice: Prabowo: MBG Reaches 44 Million Beneficiaries in Under a Year, Outpacing Brazil

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