Jakarta – Public Policy expert at Trisakti University, Trubus Rahardiansyah, believes that the Free Nutritious Meals Program (MBG) has begun to show positive impacts, not only in improving community nutrition but also in stimulating local economic activity, particularly for micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs) across various regions.
According to Trubus, during the early stages of the program’s implementation, some skepticism emerged from the public. However, over time, public acceptance of the program has gradually increased as its benefits are increasingly felt directly by the community.
“MBG initially faced some resistance. However, it is now gradually being accepted by the public, and the services continue to improve, including support from the health sector,” Trubus said in Jakarta.
The involvement of many parties in the nutritious food supply chain has opened opportunities for local businesses to supply various food ingredients.
Farmers, livestock breeders, and local MSME actors producing food ingredients such as vegetables, eggs, and processed food products have started to experience the economic benefits generated by this program.
This local potential–based approach is considered capable of expanding the involvement of MSME actors in the MBG program’s supply chain. In addition to improving community welfare, this policy also opens opportunities for small business owners to broaden the market for their products.
The MBG program has even reached disadvantaged, frontier, and outermost regions (3T). The presence of SPPG facilities in these areas is considered to have the potential to create new economic activities, including for small business actors who previously had limited market access.
“Initially, MBG was only seen as a government policy. However, I see that gradually this program is developing into a moral movement,” Trubus said.
On the other hand, the role of business associations is also considered very important in helping MSMEs take advantage of the opportunities created by the MBG program. This was conveyed by the Chairman of the Regional Board (DPD) of the AKUMANDIRI in Sinjai Regency, Jumain.
Jumain stated that associations play a role as a bridge between MSME actors and various government programs, including the MBG program.
Through mentoring and education, associations help business actors understand the standards and procedures required to participate in the program.
“We in the association strive to become an information bridge for MSME actors, starting from program socialization, administrative assistance, to improving product quality so they can participate in the MBG program,” he said.
[w.R]
