Jakarta – The administration of President Prabowo Subianto and Vice President Gibran Rakabuming Raka has demonstrated its commitment to strengthening the economic foundations of villages. The Free Nutritious Meals (MBG) Program and the Red and White Village Cooperative are two policies deemed capable of providing new opportunities for villages to grow as centers of productivity and investment.
In various regions, the implementation of MBG has encouraged increased local production activities, while the Red and White Village Cooperatives (Kopdes Merah Putih) has expanded access to financing and village business development. The synergy between the two demonstrates a policy direction that positions villages as the driving force of national economic development.
The Head of Advocacy for the Indonesian Farmers and Fishermen Brotherhood (PETANI), Tunjung Budi Utomo, assessed that the MBG Program initiated by President Prabowo Subianto not only functions as an effort to fulfill the nutritional needs of school children, but has also become a major driver of the economy of small people in various regions.
“The MBG program not only ensures children receive balanced nutrition, but also acts as a driving force for the lower-middle class economy,” he said.
He stated that the program is inclusive and participatory, involving various community elements, from village cooperatives, farmers, fishermen, and MSMEs across Indonesia. His statement also refuted the notion that the MBG program only benefits certain groups.
“Every food ingredient used in this program comes from the community itself, from rice, vegetables, fish, eggs, to home-made products. This is a concrete example of a people’s economy operating at the local level,” he explained.
Furthermore, Tunjung assessed that village cooperatives play a crucial role as a link between farmers and consumers, thus ensuring a sustainable market for the smallholder agriculture and fisheries sectors. The impacts are tangible, such as increased incomes, increased production capacity, improved food quality standards, and the creation of new jobs.
“As President Prabowo stated, MBG has a multiplier effect on the people’s kitchens. Now, more people are able to work and become empowered in their own communities,” he said.
He explained that the economic impact of the MBG can be seen through three main effects. First, the production effect, where farmers and fishermen gain market certainty. Then, the distribution effect, where cooperatives and local logistics operators participate. Next, the consumption effect, where beneficiary families benefit by reducing their children’s food expenses, thus increasing their purchasing power.
In addition to these positive impacts, Tunjung also mentioned the resulting job creation. For example, the MBG program has created new jobs for cooks, logistics workers, and daily laborers involved in providing nutritious food.
“Every rupiah the state disburses through MBG circulates back into the hands of the people. This isn’t social assistance, but rather a real economic cycle for the people,” Tunjung emphasized.