Adhyasta Dirgantara, Ardito Ramadhan, Jakarta – Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto claims that the success rate of the free nutritious meals (MBG) program has reached 99.99 percent despite the cases of poisoning in various regions. Prabowo reasoned that poisoning victims due to MBG are only around 200 people, a small portion compared to the 3 million recipients.
"Today there are indeed some who have been poisoned, those poisoned up until now are point three out of so many million, if I'm not mistaken less than 200 people (who were poisoned), only five people have been hospitalised", Prabowo said during a plenary cabinet meeting at the Presidential Palace in Jakarta on , Monday May 5.
Prabowo also compared the number of poisoning cases with the number of MBG recipients which is below 1 percent so he considers the program to be a success even though it is not 100 percent successful.
"So it can be said that poisoning or those who had stomach discomfort amounted to 200 people, that's 200 or point three of so many million, if I'm not mistaken that's 0.005 percent. Meaning the success rate is 99.99 percent", he said.
Prabowo's statement was greeted by a round of applause from the cabinet ministers at the meeting.
Nevertheless, Prabowo advised all his ministers not to be satisfied too quickly. Because, the National Nutrition Agency (BGN) is targeting that there will be no more MBG poisoning cases in the future.
"But I appreciate it because the head of the BGN and its officials said, 'Sir, our target is zero deviations, zero mistakes'. And we understand that it's not easy in a kitchen that employs 50 people, one kitchen that employs 50 people", said Prabowo.
Earlier, Prabowo give directions to graduates of the Indonesian Development Drivers Programme (SPPI) who will be supporting the MBG program so they will not be careless.
According to the head of state, checking food and distribution supervision by the Unit of Nutrition Fulfilment Services (SPPG) is part of the national mission. "You can't be lazy. You can't let your guard down. You can't be corrupt", Prabowo said on Saturday May 3.
Prabowo said there would be efforts to buy off and lie to the head of kitchen staff or SPPI. "They will try to buy you off, cheat you, lie to you. Where there's sugar, there's ants. This will be the target of greedy and evil people", he said.
- Graft watchdog wants free lunch program ended after more poisoning incidents. Kompas.com – April 25, 2025
[Translated by James Balowski. The original title of the article was "Prabowo Klaim MBG 99,99 Persen Berhasil, Kasus Keracunan 0,005 Persen".]
