Jakarta, Feb. 15 -- President Prabowo Subianto has said that the government will use Rp24 trillion (USD1.4 billion) saved from the budget efficiency policy to fund the Free Nutritious Meals (MBG) program.

Prabowo, who is also chairperson of the Gerindra Party, made the statement while delivering a speech at the 17th anniversary commemoration of the party's formation at the Sentul International Convention Center (SICC) in Bogor, West Java, on Saturday.

"I have to use Rp24 trillion for the Free Nutritious Meals. Our people, our children, must not be hungry," he said.

He explained that the government is implementing the budget efficiency in two phases, with fund collection estimated to reach Rp608 trillion.

In addition, he informed that ...