February 12, 2026 | 01:25 pm
TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - Finance Minister Purbaya Yudhi Sadewa is urging the public not to continuously debate the Free Nutritious Meals (MBG) program or various other priority government initiatives. He emphasized that these policies are part of the grand development design outlined by President Prabowo Subianto, specifically intended to support equality and maintain socio-political stability as prerequisites for sustainable economic growth.
"People are still confused about President Prabowo's economic development strategy. But from what I understand, there are three elements: high economic growth, equality, and social stability," Purbaya said during the Bloomberg Technoz Economic Outlook 2026 forum at Financial Hall, South Jakarta, on Thursday, February 12, 2026.
According to him, the current government's economic framework cannot be understood in isolation by focusing only on growth targets. He stated that many parties have yet to see the connection between social policies and a broader economic expansion agenda, as these strategies are designed to be mutually reinforcing.
He explained that high economic growth is indeed one of the primary objectives, but this growth must be accompanied by a more even distribution of benefits across society. Without equality, he argued, economic expansion has the potential to widen disparities and create social pressures.
Furthermore, socio-political stability is considered an equally vital foundation. Purbaya contended that programs like MBG are often criticized without considering their role in maintaining social cohesion. These policies, he went on, are not merely forms of aid but instruments to ensure that society can maintain resilience amid global economic dynamics.
He believes that without equality and stability, high economic growth will lack substantive meaning. Therefore, he urges the public to view the government's priority programs within the context of long-term development strategies, rather than solely from a budgetary or technical implementation standpoint.
Read: Indonesia to Clarify Economic Conditions on Friday Amid Market Scrutiny
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