President Prabowo Subianto’s flagship programs, 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 being hailed as pathways to accelerate poverty eradication. These initiatives are not only aimed at reducing poverty but also empowering individuals and creating economic independence. The Head of the Poverty Eradication Acceleration Agency (BP Taskin), Budiman Sudjatmiko, compared the government’s approach to a football game, where the poor are the players being skillfully guided towards economic self-reliance.
The Sekolah Rakyat program, which is boarding-based, seeks to break the cycle of poverty, while MBG and Kopdes Merah Putih aim to bring economic benefits to entire communities. Through MBG’s kitchens and Kopdes’ retail outlets, millions of jobs are expected to be created, benefiting upstream sectors like farmers, SMEs, and village-owned enterprises. Nanik S. Deyang, Deputy Head of BP Taskin, emphasized how these programs provide tangible hope for independence to poor households. For example, by supplying MBG kitchens, small local producers can increase their workforce, leading to economic growth in their communities.
Kopdes Merah Putih plays a crucial role in streamlining supply chains and reducing costs by eliminating middlemen. This allows for affordable pricing of essential items like LPG cylinders and fertilizers, benefiting both consumers and farmers. Additionally, Kopdes provides access to affordable credit, freeing individuals from exploitative lenders and offering capital on favorable terms. Overall, these programs are not only addressing poverty but also creating a path towards economic empowerment and sustainable development.