Bandung (ANTARA) - Indonesia's Free Nutritious Meals (MBG) program highlights President Prabowo Subianto's commitment to human development, according to the Presidential Communication Office (PCO).
Speaking in Bandung, West Java, on Saturday, PCO spokesperson Dedek Prayudi responded to criticism that the program compromises funding for other initiatives.
He highlighted the differing budget priorities of the previous and current governments.
Prayudi noted that while Joko Widodo's administration focused heavily on nationwide infrastructure development, the current government has shifted its emphasis to human resource development.
He stated that Prabowo allocated Rp71 trillion (US$4.3 billion) for the MBG program and Rp4.7 trillion for free medical check-ups.
Prayudi also mentioned plans to provide free tuberculosis examinations on residents' birthdays, with a budget of Rp8 trillion.
Additionally, Rp15 trillion has been allocated to upgrade health infrastructure, including hospitals and public health centers.
"We have shifted the state budget's focus to human development, while infrastructure projects continue with greater private sector involvement," Prayudi explained.
He confirmed that the government reduced part of the state budget for developing Nusantara, Indonesia's new capital in East Kalimantan.
He emphasized that this decision has legal implications and aims to create more opportunities for investor participation in the city's development.
"A law limits state budget contributions to 10 percent of the project's total funding. Since we've nearly reached this limit, we are inviting investors to support the development," he concluded.
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Translator: Maria C, Tegar Nurfitra
Editor: Anton Santoso
