President Prabowo Subianto’s key initiatives, including 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 being hailed as pathways to accelerate the eradication of poverty. These programs have the potential to not only reduce poverty but also create numerous job opportunities and foster economic independence. The goal is to empower individuals and communities to become economically self-reliant, rather than just providing social assistance. The government’s strategy is likened to a football game, where the poor are the players being equipped with skills, nutrition, and economic access to score the goal of poverty eradication.
Sekolah Rakyat, a boarding-based education program, aims to break the cycle of poverty, while MBG and Kopdes Merah Putih bring economic benefits to entire communities. These initiatives are expected to create millions of jobs, especially in sectors like farming, SMEs, and village-owned enterprises. By providing tangible hope for independence, these programs remove children from limiting environments, boost local producers, and cut out costly intermediaries from supply chains. Kopdes also facilitates access to affordable credit, freeing individuals from predatory lenders and providing capital on more favorable terms than traditional banks. This holistic approach aims to drive economic growth and uplift disadvantaged communities.
