Prabowo Launches Free Medicine Program for the Poor as a Proof of Government's Support for the People

Good news for the poor in Indonesia: President Prabowo Subianto has officially launched a free medicine program for low-income communities. This program is seen as a reflection of the government's concern for the poor.

"This program is part of the government's commitment to improving equitable access to healthcare for all citizens," said East Java Regional House of Representatives (DPRD) Commission E member Imam Makruf on Tuesday (7/22/2025).

According to this Gerindra politician, the provision of free medicine for the poor shows that the government must ensure essential medicines are available and accessible to all groups, especially the lower-income population.

He said that medicines are very important for people with weak economic conditions. “Of course, they must have access to essential medicines at affordable prices,” he explained.

For your information, during the inauguration of the Merah Putih cooperative in Central Java, President Prabowo said he wanted medicine for the poor to be provided free of charge. Specifically, Prabowo requested Financial Minister Sri Mulyani Indrawati to prepare the funds.

“If there are funds allocated for the poor, then medicine must be provided free of charge—if the budget allows," said the Gerindra chairman.

The former Minister of Defense also expressed his appreciation to the Ministry of Defense for taking the initiative to establish a defense pharmaceutical agency.

This institution is considered to play an important role in producing generic medicines at more affordable prices.

“Thank you to the Ministry of Defense for establishing a pharmaceutical institution to produce low-cost generic medicines,” said Prabowo.