President Prabowo Subianto has launched several flagship programs aimed at accelerating poverty eradication in Indonesia. These programs, namely Free Nutritious Meals (Makan Bergizi Gratis / MBG), People’s School (Sekolah Rakyat), and Merah Putih Village/Urban Cooperatives (Koperasi Desa/Kelurahan Merah Putih / Kopdes), are designed to create job opportunities and foster economic independence.
The Head of the Poverty Eradication Acceleration Agency (BP Taskin), Budiman Sudjatmiko, emphasized that the goal goes beyond just reducing poverty. The President’s vision is to empower individuals and communities to become self-reliant economically. He compared the government’s approach to a football game, where the poor are the players needing to be skilled, well-nourished, and economically empowered to score the “goal” of poverty eradication.
Sekolah Rakyat, a boarding-based school program, aims to break the cycle of poverty by providing education and opportunities for children. Meanwhile, programs like MBG and Kopdes Merah Putih not only provide economic benefits but also create job opportunities in different sectors. From kitchen operations to retail outlets, these initiatives are expected to generate millions of jobs and boost demand for local producers and businesses.
Deputy Head of BP Taskin, Nanik S. Deyang, mentioned how these programs offer tangible hope for independence to poor households. By eliminating middlemen in supply chains and providing access to affordable credit, Kopdes Merah Putih is helping farmers and small businesses thrive. The cooperatives also ensure fair pricing for essential goods like LPG cylinders and fertilizers, benefiting both producers and consumers.
Overall, these programs are seen as “express lanes” to end poverty in Indonesia by creating a supportive ecosystem for economic growth and empowering individuals and communities to break free from the cycle of poverty.