President Prabowo Subianto has initiated flagship programs to accelerate poverty eradication in Indonesia. 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 designed to create job opportunities and enhance economic independence among the population. Head of the Poverty Eradication Acceleration Agency (BP Taskin) Budiman Sudjatmiko emphasized the importance of empowering people and ensuring economic self-reliance, rather than just providing social assistance to address poverty. The government’s approach is likened to a football game, where the poor are the players being equipped with skills, knowledge, good nutrition, and economic access to score the goal of poverty eradication.
Sekolah Rakyat, a boarding-based educational program, aims to break the poverty cycle, while MBG and Kopdes Merah Putih contribute to economic development in communities. These programs are expected to create millions of jobs, benefiting sectors like farmers, SMEs, and village-owned enterprises. Deputy Head of BP Taskin, Nanik S. Deyang, highlighted how these initiatives offer tangible hope for independence to poor households. For example, MBG’s large-scale operations boost local producers’ businesses, creating a ripple effect of economic growth. Kopdes Merah Putih also plays a crucial role in streamlining supply chains, reducing costs, and providing affordable credit to farmers, ultimately freeing them from exploitative lenders. These initiatives are seen as crucial steps in ending poverty in Indonesia.