President Prabowo Subianto recently presided over a significant dual event in Palmerah, West Jakarta, on Friday, February 13. The occasion marked both the inauguration and groundbreaking of 1,179 Nutritional Fulfillment Service Units (SPPG) of the National Police, alongside the official opening of 18 National Police Food Security Warehouses. This initiative underscores a proactive approach to national welfare.
During the ceremony, President Prabowo meticulously inspected various points within the newly established SPPG facilities. He closely observed their operational mechanisms and the technological advancements incorporated, ensuring a comprehensive understanding of their capabilities and potential impact.
The event drew a distinguished array of attendees, reflecting its national importance. Among those present were Head of BGN Dadan Hindayana, Commander of the Indonesian National Armed Forces (TNI) General Agus Subiyanto, Minister of Trade Budi Santoso, Cabinet Secretary Teddy Indra Wijaya, Minister of State Secretary Prasetyo Hadi, Deputy Governor of Jakarta Rano Karno, and Regional Police Chiefs from across Indonesia, highlighting widespread governmental and military support.
Highlights from the event included:
Prabowo Awards Medals of Merit to Key Figures, Including BGN Head, Deputy Police Chief, and Entrepreneur
In a notable segment of the inauguration and groundbreaking ceremony, President Prabowo Subianto honored several prominent individuals with prestigious awards. Recipients included Head of BGN Dadan Hindayana, Deputy Chief of National Police Commissioner General Dedi Prasetyo, and shrimp farm entrepreneur Haji Zaini Sidi, recognizing their substantial contributions to the nation.
The conferral of these service medals commenced with the reading of Presidential Decrees (Keppres) Numbers 12 and 13/TK/2026, which pertain to the awarding of the Bintang Jasa (Medal of Merit) and Satyalancana Wira Karya (Heroic Work Emblem). These decrees signify presidential acknowledgment of exceptional service.
Presidential Military Secretary Major General TNI Wahyu Yudhayana clarified the essence of these awards while reading the Keppres. He stated, “The Bintang Jasa is awarded as recognition for significant services in a particular field or event that benefits the safety, welfare, and greatness of the nation and state,” underscoring the profound impact of the recipients’ efforts.
President Prabowo bestowed four distinct types of awards, each recognizing varying levels of national service and achievement, reflecting a comprehensive appreciation for their dedication.
Below is the list of awardees:
Bintang Jasa Utama (Principal Medal of Merit)
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Head of BGN Dadan Hindayana
Bintang Jasa Pratama (First Class Medal of Merit)
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Deputy Chief of National Police Commissioner General Dedi Prasetyo
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Deputy Head of BGN Sony Sonjaya
Bintang Jasa Nararya (Third Class Medal of Merit)
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Inspector General of National Police Commissioner General Wahyu Widada
Satya Wira Karya (Heroic Work Emblem)
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Chief of Jakarta Metropolitan Police Inspector General Asep Edi Suheri
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Chief of North Sumatra Police Inspector General Whisnu Hermawan
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Shrimp farmer, Haji Zaini Sidi
Prabowo Commends National Police Chief for Food Security Initiatives
President Prabowo Subianto offered high praise for the performance of National Police Chief General Listyo Sigit Prabowo following the National Police’s initiative to develop the SPPGs and Food Security Warehouses. He lauded this endeavor as an excellent and timely initiative, demonstrating strong leadership.
“As a leader, I greatly appreciate the initiative and awareness demonstrated by the leadership of the National Police, Chief of Police General Listyo Sigit Prabowo, and his ranks,” Prabowo stated, acknowledging the foresight and dedication involved.
Prabowo expressed his profound satisfaction with the comprehensive efforts undertaken by the National Police. He specifically highlighted that food security, while not traditionally a primary duty of the police force, has been admirably addressed by their recent actions, showcasing their expanded commitment to national well-being.
According to Prabowo, the Police Chief and his subordinates have demonstrated an acute awareness of the critical food challenges that confront the nation. This recognition has prompted innovative solutions beyond conventional policing roles, proving their understanding of multifaceted national issues.
“I see that one of the most vital institutions for our country and nation, the Indonesian National Police, has taken the initiative, perhaps in an area that might not seem to be its core duty, but the national police leadership has grasped a crucial issue for the safety of a nation,” he remarked, emphasizing the police’s broadened scope of responsibility.
Prabowo: ‘I Wish to Die on the Path of Truth,’ Defends MBG Program
During his address, President Prabowo made a direct appeal to Presidential Chief of Staff (KSP) Muhammad Qodari, requesting him to compile videos from individuals who had publicly predicted the failure of the MBG (Makan Bergizi Gratis – Free Nutritious Meals) program. This move underscored his determination to confront skepticism directly.
“Those who claim I insult the Indonesian nation, saying ‘this MBG is an insult to the Indonesian nation’,” Prabowo remarked, echoing the criticisms he has faced regarding the program’s perceived implications.
Prabowo immediately countered these accusations, posing a rhetorical question: “We want to save our children, and yet we are accused of insult?” He passionately defended the program’s humanitarian goals and its importance for the younger generation.
On the contrary, Prabowo asserted that the number of beneficiaries for the MBG program could potentially exceed 80 million, signifying its immense reach and impact on the population, far from being an insignificant endeavor.
“Goodness, would I truly insult the Indonesian nation? From a young age, as a second lieutenant with nothing, I was ready to die for the Republic. How could I have the heart to insult it? No, my remaining life is solely dedicated to saving and building the Republic of Indonesia,” Prabowo declared, emphasizing his unwavering patriotism and lifelong commitment to the nation.
“I wish to die on the path of truth; I want to die defending truth, justice, and the safety of the people. For a soldier like me, it is an honor to die for one’s people—how could I possibly want to insult them? But let it be. Now, let us prove it together, and for that, I thank the Indonesian National Police,” Prabowo concluded, expressing his resolve and gratitude for the police’s support in achieving these national goals.
Prabowo’s Message: The National Police Must Always Remain the People’s Police
On the same occasion, President Prabowo underscored a fundamental principle, emphasizing that the National Police were born from the people and therefore must always remain the “people’s police.” This statement highlights the organic relationship between law enforcement and the populace it serves.
“Just as the Indonesian military was born from the people and must always be the people’s army, our police were born from the people and must always be the people’s police. That is what I always advocate, and now the leadership of the National Police truly embodies this,” Prabowo stated, commending the police’s commitment to this core identity.
Prabowo further highlighted his consistent reminder that the Indonesian police possess a distinct character, differentiating them from police forces in other nations. He stressed that while every country has its own unique history and traditions, the Indonesian National Police’s historical roots are particularly profound and integral to the nation’s identity.
“Every nation has its own history and traditions, and we do not question that. You have your history; be proud of it. We have our history. Our police were born amidst the struggle for independence. Our police fought for independence; our police took up arms,” Prabowo recounted, emphasizing the heroic origins of the institution in Indonesia’s fight for sovereignty.
He further elaborated that a nation achieves strength when its people are deeply patriotic and love their country. Conversely, the nation’s love for its people is tangibly demonstrated, in part, through the dedicated presence and service of the TNI-Polri (Indonesian National Armed Forces and Police).
“And the police and military are the embodiment of a nation. In remote areas, the first individuals seen by the people are the police and military. The presence of the state is manifested through the army and police,” Prabowo asserted, illustrating their crucial role as visible representatives of national authority and care.
“Therefore, if the military and police internalize their roles, uphold their oaths, and understand the burden placed upon their shoulders, they will conduct themselves honorably before the people, always striving to deliver their best for the populace,” Prabowo concluded, offering a powerful call to continued selfless service and dedication.
MBG Program Reaches 60.2 Million Beneficiaries, Police Play Key Role
President Prabowo revealed the impressive progress of the MBG program, stating that it has now reached an astonishing 60.2 million beneficiaries. This significant milestone highlights the extensive reach and positive impact of the national initiative on nutritional welfare.
“After continuous efforts, the MBG program has today reached 60.2 million beneficiaries, according to the Head of BGN’s report. The National Police’s role has been instrumental in this achievement,” Prabowo affirmed, acknowledging the crucial contributions of law enforcement in facilitating the program’s success.
Prabowo further added that tens of thousands of Nutritional Fulfillment Service Units (SPPGs) are now strategically spread across all provinces in Indonesia. This vast network ensures efficient distribution and accessibility of nutritional support to communities nationwide.
“We have successfully established 22,275 SPPGs—nearly 23,000 SPPGs, which are essentially kitchens, across all 38 provinces throughout Indonesia,” he disclosed, underscoring the massive logistical undertaking and the broad infrastructure now in place to support the program.
This remarkable achievement, he highlighted, is equivalent to feeding the entire population of South Africa, illustrating the sheer scale of the MBG program’s daily impact on food security and public health.
“This figure is roughly equivalent to feeding the entire population of South Africa daily, or ten times the population of Singapore every day, or twice the population of Malaysia daily,” he elaborated, providing vivid comparisons to emphasize the program’s monumental scale and success in addressing nutritional needs across the archipelago.
Summary
President Prabowo Subianto inaugurated 1,1