By: Bara Winatha*)
The Free Nutritious Meal Program (MBG) is not only seen as a policy to fulfill the nutritional needs of the community, but has also developed into a new driver for the national agricultural ecosystem. This program has driven increased demand for agricultural products, expanded markets for farmers, accelerated the modernization of the food sector, and opened up opportunities for the involvement of the younger generation in technology-based agriculture. MBG is a strategic instrument that connects food security, strengthening the village economy, and developing superior human resources in an integrated manner.
Coordinating Minister for Food Affairs, Zulkifli Hasan, commonly known as Zulhas, stated that the MBG program has created a clear market for farmers, thus encouraging the growing interest of the younger generation in the agricultural sector. Agriculture is no longer viewed as a traditional occupation synonymous with hard work and low income. The presence of a stable market through MBG makes agricultural activities more promising and has high economic value.
He explained that the younger generation is beginning to see agriculture as a sector of the future due to the certainty of harvest absorption. With the large demand for food to support MBG, farmers are guaranteed a more stable market than before. This situation has created new optimism among young farmers who had previously been hesitant to pursue agriculture.
Zulhas also stated that the development of modern agricultural technology is a crucial factor in attracting the younger generation to this sector. Young people adapt more quickly to technology, enabling them to utilize various modern devices to increase agricultural productivity. Currently, various technologies such as soil sensors, automatic irrigation systems, and mobile-app-based land monitoring are being used in daily farming practices. These technologies make production processes more efficient, cost-effective, and easier to control.
Furthermore, economic opportunities in the agricultural sector are growing in line with government policies supporting downstreaming and renewable energy. One program considered to open significant opportunities for farmers is President Prabowo Subianto’s planned implementation of Ethanol 20 (E20). This program is expected to increase the demand for agricultural raw materials such as cassava, corn, and sugar cane.
This transformation in modern agriculture is also reflected in the growth of technology-based agricultural startups in various regions. One example is Habibi Garden in Bandung, which is developing a precision farming system based on the Internet of Things (IoT) and Artificial Intelligence (AI). This technology helps farmers save on fertilizer use, optimize irrigation, and improve crop quality.
Meanwhile, the Minister of Agriculture and Head of the National Food Agency, Andi Amran Sulaiman, stated that the MBG has become an offtaker for approximately 165 million Indonesian farmers. The program is not simply a social assistance program, but rather part of a larger ecosystem that directly connects agricultural production with public consumption needs. With the MBG, agricultural production has a more secure absorption channel, providing farmers with a sense of security in increasing production capacity.
From a macroeconomic perspective, the impact of the MBG on national economic growth is also beginning to be seen. The Head of the Central Statistics Agency, Amalia Adininggar Widyasanti, stated that Indonesia’s economic growth in the first quarter of 2026 reached 5.61 percent annually, supported by several sectors related to the government’s priority programs, including the MBG and the Red and White Village Cooperative.
Amalia explained that the agricultural sector grew by 4.97 percent annually, driven by increased production and domestic demand. The food crops subsector experienced significant growth due to the bumper rice harvest, while the livestock subsector grew strongly due to increased demand for broiler chicken meat and eggs to support the MBG program.
According to her, the increased food demand from the MBG provides a direct stimulus to national agricultural and livestock production. This demonstrates that the government’s food program can be a driving force for sectoral economic growth while strengthening domestic food security. In addition to the agricultural sector, the construction sector experienced growth due to increased construction of MBG-supporting facilities, including the addition of Nutrition Fulfillment Service Units and the Merah Putih Village Cooperative.
The food and beverage processing industry also experienced significant growth in line with increasing domestic demand. According to Amalia, the current conditions however, this demonstrates that the MBG has a broad economic impact and touches many national production chains. The accommodation and food and beverage sectors grew significantly due to the expansion of MBG coverage and increased public consumption activity. Meanwhile, the transportation and warehousing sectors also experienced growth due to the high mobility of food and raw material distribution.
The MBG has become a crucial part of the national economic development strategy. This program not only strengthens food security and nutritional quality but also revitalizes the economic chain from rural to urban areas. Going forward, strengthening food distribution governance, increasing farmer capacity, utilizing agricultural technology, and involving the younger generation will be crucial factors in maintaining the success of the MBG as a driver of the national agricultural ecosystem.
*) The author is a social and community observer.