President Prabowo Subianto is implementing flagship programs such as Free Nutritious Meals (MBG), People’s School, and Merah Putih Village/Urban Cooperatives to accelerate poverty eradication. These initiatives are compared to “express lanes” as they have the potential to create job opportunities and promote economic independence. The goal is not only to reduce poverty but also to empower individuals and make them economically self-reliant, according to Head of the Poverty Eradication Acceleration Agency, Budiman Sudjatmiko.
The government’s approach is likened to a football game, where the poor are the players that need to be skilled, well-nourished, and economically empowered. The Sekolah Rakyat program aims to break the cycle of poverty, while MBG and Kopdes Merah Putih provide economic benefits to communities. These initiatives are expected to create millions of jobs and increase demand for farmers, SMEs, and village-owned enterprises.
Deputy Head of BP Taskin, Nanik S. Deyang, mentioned that these programs offer tangible hope for independence to poor households. Boarding schools remove children from limiting environments, while MBG supports local producers through large-scale operations. Kopdes Merah Putih plays a crucial role in eliminating costly middlemen from supply chains, allowing farmers to access fertilizers and other resources at lower prices.
Moreover, Kopdes provides affordable credit, freeing individuals from predatory lenders and offering capital on more favorable terms than traditional banks. These initiatives are pivotal in creating economic opportunities, empowering communities, and ultimately eradicating poverty.
