The Free Nutritious Meals Program (MBG) has been successful in providing not only nutritional benefits but also creating a significant economic impact. With 2,391 Nutritional Fulfillment Service Units (SPPGs) nationwide, the program has directly employed 94,000 individuals in just seven months. The expansion of SPPG units across regions has led to a steady increase in employment figures, from 7,000 workers in January to 94,000 by the end of July.
Budget absorption has also seen a parallel increase, with disbursements growing from IDR 1-2 trillion during the initial phase to IDR 5.1 trillion by the end of the first semester of 2025. Fithra Faisal, Senior Advisor at the Presidential Communication Office, highlighted the program’s impact on job creation and the real economy, stating that it has opened up new economic opportunities for local communities.
The National Nutrition Agency (BGN) projects that by August, the MBG Program will reach 20 million beneficiaries through 8,000 operational SPPG units, with an expected budget absorption of IDR 8 trillion. To enhance workforce inclusion, BGN plans to recruit kitchen staff from families in extreme poverty and lower-income groups, aiming for at least 30% of staff to come from economically vulnerable households.
Fithra emphasized that this strategy not only strengthens the program’s operational capacity but also helps reduce extreme poverty by empowering low-income communities. The MBG Program is expected to continue to drive economic growth and create more job opportunities as it expands further.
