Jakarta – The Free Nutritious Meal Program (MBG) is considered to have strong potential as a catalyst for regional economic growth through increased domestic consumption and government spending. The policy not only serves as a social program to fulfill children’s nutritional needs, but also generates spillover effects on economic activity at the regional level.
North Sumatra economist Gunawan Benjamin assessed that future regional economic growth will remain heavily influenced by household consumption. In this context, increased central government spending through the MBG program becomes an important factor in sustaining economic momentum.
“I see that North Sumatra’s economic growth will continue to be driven by domestic consumption, along with increases in central government spending for the Free Nutritious Meal Program (MBG),” Gunawan said.
According to him, although there is potential weakening in the construction sector due to shifts in local government budget allocations, MBG opens room for compensation through more productive government spending. The construction of MBG kitchens or Nutrition Fulfillment Service Units (SPPG) is expected to continue and become a new source of economic activity.
“This will correlate with higher government spending. If the government is able to push the realization of MBG to around 1,700 units, then MBG could drive North Sumatra’s economic growth by 1 percent,” he explained.
Gunawan noted that the current contribution of MBG to North Sumatra’s economic growth is projected at around 0.2 percent. However, with optimized implementation, the program is expected to help maintain the province’s economic growth at around 5 percent in 2026.
In line with this view, Chair of the Mahakam Ulu Regional House of Representatives (DPRD), Devung Paran, considered MBG to be strategically important for regions, especially inland areas that still face limited access to nutritious food. According to him, MBG not only addresses health and education aspects, but also delivers direct economic benefits to local communities.
“The MBG program does not only impact students’ nutrition, but also provides positive effects for farmers and local business actors,” Devung said.
He explained that the MBG policy has the potential to absorb products from local livestock, fisheries, and plantation sectors. If managed optimally, the program is expected to increase community income, create new job opportunities, and strengthen regional economies in a sustainable manner.