Jakarta – The government continues to strengthen the Free Nutritional Meal Program (MBG), as the number of beneficiaries has reached 50.39 million across Indonesia. This program, one of the largest national nutrition interventions, not only improves the health of students but also significantly contributes to job creation and strengthens the people’s economy.
The Head of the National Nutrition Agency (BGN), Dadan Hindayana, reported that by mid-December 2025, 17,555 Nutrition Fulfillment Service Units (SPPG), or MBG kitchens, were operational in 38 provinces. These kitchens served 50,390,880 students from various educational levels.
“The number of workers directly involved in the SPPG reached 741,985 people. “This demonstrates the government’s commitment to ensuring equitable access to nutrition for the younger generation,” said Dadan in Jakarta on Tuesday (December 16).
He added that his office has recorded at least 41,389 suppliers actively participating in the MBG program. These suppliers come from various sectors of the people’s economy, such as cooperatives, Village-Owned Enterprises (BUMDes), micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs), and individual suppliers.
“The suppliers consist of approximately 5,000 cooperatives, 629 BUMDes, 19,246 MSMEs, and 16,351 individual suppliers. In addition, 22 Red and White Village Cooperatives have also been involved as suppliers in the MBG program,” Dadan explained.
In terms of budget management, the implementation of the MBG program has demonstrated a high level of absorption. As of mid-December 2025, the program’s budget realization had reached IDR 58 trillion, or approximately 81 percent of the total allocated budget.
“The government assesses that these achievements reflect the effectiveness of program planning and implementation in the field,” he said.
MBG also plays a role as a national job creation engine. Hundreds of thousands of workers are directly absorbed, from cooks and distribution workers to nutrition kitchen managers. Furthermore, the indirect impact of this program is felt by various supporting sectors involved in the food supply chain.
Going forward, the National Agency for National Development Planning (BGN) is targeting a more massive expansion by the end of the year. The number of MBG kitchens is projected to increase to around 19,000 SPPGs, which are expected to reach up to 70 percent of the total national beneficiaries.
“The MBG program is estimated to have established 19,000 SPPGs by the end of December and reached 70 percent of beneficiaries. God willing, the entire budget allocated to BGN will be used optimally,” he concluded.