The Free Nutritious Meals Program (MBG) has shown to provide not only nutritional benefits but also significant economic impact. In the span of seven months, the program has created job opportunities for 94,000 individuals through 2,391 Nutritional Fulfillment Service Units (SPPGs) nationwide. The employment numbers have increased as more SPPG units were established in various regions, rising from 7,000 in January to 94,000 by the end of July. Budget allocation has also seen growth, from IDR 1-2 trillion in the initial phase to IDR 5.1 trillion by the first semester of 2025, equivalent to 7.1% of the total budget allocated. Fithra Faisal, Senior Advisor at the Presidential Communication Office (PCO), highlighted the positive impact of the MBG program on job creation and the economy, providing new economic opportunities for local communities. The National Nutrition Agency (BGN) foresees the program benefiting 20 million individuals by August through 8,000 SPPG units, with a projected budget absorption of IDR 8 trillion. To enhance workforce inclusion, BGN plans to hire kitchen staff from families in extreme poverty and lower-income groups, aiming to uplift economically vulnerable households. Fithra views this initiative as a strategic move to combat extreme poverty while enhancing the program’s operational capacity and empowering disadvantaged communities.
