TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - The Ambassador of China to Indonesia, Wang Lutong, said there are opportunities for collaboration between Indonesia and China to support the Free Nutritious Meals (MBG) program. He said that support can be provided through technology developed by Chinese companies to help with food distribution in schools.
Wang stated that the Chinese business community has shown interest in aiding the implementation of President Prabowo Subianto's priority program. One example he mentioned is the technology development by the Chinese technology company, Tencent.
"We (Indonesia and China) can learn from each other. Just yesterday, I met with a Chinese company, Tencent," said Wang after attending the China-Indonesia Think Tank and Media Forum by FPCI in Kuningan, South Jakarta, on Wednesday, June 24, 2026.
AI Technology for the MBG Program
Wang mentioned that Tencent is developing digital devices that can detect the number of students present in school every day. This system allows students to register when they enter the school, enabling attendance data to be recorded automatically.
This data can then be used to support meal distribution planning in the MBG program. The kitchen or Nutrition Fulfillment Service Unit (SPPG) will receive information on the number of students present so that meal production and distribution can be adjusted according to the day's needs.
"I understand that some Chinese company programs also support this free meal program in various ways they can," said Wang.
He assessed that Tencent's initiative reflects the commitment of Chinese partners to support Indonesia's government program. Wang also hopes that technology can improve the quality of the MBG implementation.
Additionally, Wang hopes that the MBG program will align with the government's objectives. "We hope this (MBG) program can run smoothly, " he said.
Prabowo Highlights Rejection of MBG
Wang's statement was made amid the government's attention to the MBG program. The day before, President Prabowo expressed his confusion about the program's rejection.
"Strange, there are protests against MBG. MBG is intended to help those who are in need, who are having difficulties," said Prabowo while attending the closing of the National Deliberation of Alim Ulama and the Grand Conference of Nahdlatul Ulama 2026 at the Syaichona Mohammad Cholil Islamic Institute, in Bangkalan, East Java, on Tuesday, June 23, 2026.
Prabowo emphasized that the MBG program is not mandatory for the entire population. "If you're already wealthy, you don't need to accept MBG. There is no obligation to receive MBG," he said.
Nevertheless, he pointed out that many children from less fortunate families still go to school without having eaten breakfast. Furthermore, he says that some children keep food from school to share with their families at home.
"Many children from underprivileged families go to school without breakfast. Even many children save food, take it home for their mothers, fathers, siblings, and grandparents. Many of our people are having a hard time," said Prabowo.
Prabowo also refuted the notion that the MBG program reduces education budgets. "Over one hundred countries have the MBG program. This program does not reduce other budgets. The education budget continues, and perhaps it's even larger under my government," he said.
Musthofa Bisri contributed to the writing of this article
Read: Prabowo Insists Free Meal Program Helps the Needy
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