TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - Head of the Indonesia's National Nutrition Body (BGN) Dadan Hindayana said the global philanthropy figure Bill Gates appreciates the Free Nutritious Meal (MBG) program. He claimed this after Bill Gates directly observed the implementation of MBG together with President Prabowo Subianto at SD Negeri Jati 03 (Elementary School), Pulogadung, East Jakarta.
"And earlier, Mr. Bill Gates appreciated and was impressed with what was being done. He then emphasized how important it is for pregnant women, breastfeeding mothers, and toddlers," Dadan said in East Jakarta on Wednesday, May 7, 2025, as quoted from Antara.
According to the head of BGN, Bill Gates hopes that the MBG program will continue to target as decided by the government. The founder of the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, Dadan said, emphasized the importance of MBG for pregnant and breastfeeding women, as well as children."
"Yes, he regards this as a very important program, especially as he emphasized the first 1,000 days, namely pregnant women, toddlers, and children who still need growth," Dadan said.
Bill Gates is also said to be impressed with the Indonesian government's commitment. This is because the implementation of MBG requires a fairly substantial budget."Yes, he was very impressed, because to do this, it certainly requires a fairly substantial budget. The President conveyed that it has been prepared by the government, and then he was impressed with what was done," Dadan said.
In addition, Dadan revealed that the President welcomed Bill Gates' visit to discuss health issues, including the MBG program. Bill Gates is said to have supported one of Prabowo's flagship programs. However, Dadan did not explain what form of support it was."
"Later, with the Minister of Health (Budi Gunadi Sadikin) in detail, because it's actually more about health programs. Well, it turns out that nutritious meals are among the things that Bill Gates is concerned about, and the concrete support we'll hear after the visit," Dadan said.
Dadan mentioned that Prabowo and Bill Gates' visit to see the implementation of MBG was sudden, and he only found out Wednesday morning. Dadan said that he was previously in a meeting at the office with the Minister of Home Affairs Muhammad Tito Karnavian, then immediately went to SD Negeri Jati 03 Pulogadung."
"This is truly sudden, we didn't know which school to go to, and we only found out this morning. So, whatever happens here is not a pre-arrangement, it is what it is," Dadan said.
The President and Bill Gates arrived on the street near SD Negeri Jati 3 at 10:28 AM. They waved to the enthusiastic residents. There were residents shouting, "Mr. Prabowo, Mr. Prabowo", and other shouts wanting a greeting from Prabowo and Bill Gates.
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