President Prabowo Subianto’s flagship programs, Free Nutritious Meals (MBG), People’s School, and Merah Putih Village/Urban Cooperatives, are viewed as “express lanes” geared towards expediting poverty eradication. These initiatives are not just about alleviating poverty through social assistance; they aim to empower individuals and promote economic self-reliance. According to Head of the Poverty Eradication Acceleration Agency (BP Taskin) Budiman Sudjatmiko, the government’s goal is to equip the poor with skills, intelligence, proper nutrition, and economic opportunities to score a goal of poverty eradication.
The Sekolah Rakyat in boarding schools is designed to break the poverty cycle, while MBG and Kopdes Merah Putih benefit entire communities economically. These programs are expected to create millions of job opportunities, particularly benefiting farmers, SMEs, and village-owned enterprises. By removing children from limiting environments and providing economic opportunities, these initiatives offer tangible hope for independence to poor households.
Deputy Head of BP Taskin, Nanik S. Deyang, emphasized the significant impact of these programs on local producers and communities. Through MBG and Kopdes Merah Putih, small-scale producers like tofu-and-tempeh factories experience increased employment opportunities, while farmers benefit from direct access to affordable fertilizers and credit without the involvement of costly middlemen. Kopdes also plays a vital role in providing accessible credit and fairer terms compared to traditional banks, freeing individuals from predatory lenders.
Overall, these initiatives are not only addressing poverty but also strengthening economic independence and creating opportunities for individuals and communities to thrive. The government’s concerted efforts aim to ensure smoother economic transitions and sustainable development goals in eradicating poverty.
