President Prabowo Subianto’s flagship programs, namely 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 catalysts for accelerating poverty eradication. These initiatives are seen as pathways to creating ample job opportunities and promoting economic independence.
During a press conference, Head of the Poverty Eradication Acceleration Agency (BP Taskin) Budiman Sudjatmiko emphasized that the goal is not only to alleviate poverty but to empower individuals and foster economic self-reliance. Using a football analogy, Budiman described the government’s role in equipping the underprivileged with skills, knowledge, proper nutrition, and economic access to achieve the ultimate “goal” of eradicating poverty.
The Sekolah Rakyat program, which is based on boarding schools, aims to break the cycle of poverty, while MBG and Kopdes Merah Putih initiatives bring economic benefits to entire communities. These programs are expected to generate millions of jobs, benefiting not only the direct recipients but also upstream sectors like farmers, SMEs, and village-owned enterprises (BUMDes).
Deputy Head of BP Taskin Nanik S. Deyang highlighted that these programs offer tangible hope for independence to poor households. By providing education in boarding schools and creating economic opportunities through initiatives like MBG and Kopdes, individuals are given the chance to break free from limiting environments and improve their economic prospects.
Kopdes Merah Putih plays a crucial role in streamlining supply chains and reducing costs by eliminating middlemen. Through Kopdes, the prices of essential goods like LPG cylinders and fertilizers become more affordable, directly benefiting both consumers and producers. Additionally, Kopdes provides access to low-cost credit, offering a viable alternative to predatory lending practices.
In conclusion, these programs not only aim to alleviate poverty but also to empower individuals, create job opportunities, and boost economic independence at the community level. Through initiatives like MBG and Kopdes Merah Putih, President Prabowo Subianto’s administration is paving the way for sustainable poverty eradication in Indonesia.
