Jakarta – The government continues to intensify the implementation of the Free Nutritious Meals (MBG) Program as one of the national priority initiatives to improve the quality of human resources from an early age. Initiated under the leadership of President Prabowo Subianto, the program targets primary school students across Indonesia, particularly in areas with high stunting rates and limited access to nutritious food.
The MBG Program not only focuses on fulfilling children’s nutritional needs but also addresses the local economic dimension. In its implementation, the government encourages the procurement of food ingredients from local farmers, livestock breeders, and micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs). This scheme opens up new opportunities for the domestic economy, builds community-based supply chains, and stimulates regional economic circulation.
Diah Satyani Saminarsih, Founder and CEO of the Center for Indonesia’s Strategic Development Initiatives (CISDI), believes that the success of the MBG Program can contribute significantly to the improvement of the Human Development Index (HDI), particularly in the indicators of life expectancy and education. This has a direct impact on the quality of the younger generation entering the workforce in the future.
“The MBG Program has far-reaching effects. When children’s nutritional needs are met from an early age, they grow healthier, their cognitive ability improves, and they are less prone to illness. Healthy and smart children are the foundation for building a superior workforce in the future,” she said.
Similarly, Mohammad Faisal, Executive Director of the Center of Reform on Economics (CORE) Indonesia, stated that from a macroeconomic perspective, the success of the MBG Program can positively affect Indonesia’s HDI. Properly nourished children tend to grow up healthier, have better cognitive capabilities, and are less likely to fall ill. This, in turn, enhances the overall quality of future generations entering the labor market.
“The MBG Program can help improve the HDI, especially in terms of life expectancy and education indicators. This has a major impact on the quality of our youth as they enter the workforce. So, it’s not just about free meals—it’s about investing in the nation’s future,” he said.
Meanwhile, Head of the National Nutrition Agency (BGN), Dadan Hindayana, emphasized that with a multisectoral and participatory approach, the MBG Program is expected to serve as a key foundation for building a healthy and productive generation of Indonesians. It not only improves children’s nutrition but also drives grassroots economic activity. If managed consistently and transparently, MBG has the potential to become one of the most impactful social policies in Indonesia’s history.
“The MBG Program is designed with a multisectoral and participatory approach, so its benefits are felt not only in schools but also across lower economic layers. If managed properly and transparently, I believe MBG can become one of the most impactful programs in the history of Indonesia’s social policy,” he said.
Data from the Ministry of Education indicates that areas piloting the MBG Program have shown increases in school participation rates and student concentration levels. Children who previously attended school on an empty stomach can now enjoy nutritious meals prepared directly by school kitchens or local food service providers. On the other hand, food procurement from local producers provides direct economic benefits to farmers and home-based food MSMEs.
Local governments are encouraged to actively integrate the MBG Program into their Regional Development Plans (RPJMD), and to establish integrated monitoring teams to ensure that food distribution is efficient, hygienic, and well-targeted. Moving forward, the MBG Program is expected not only to improve the nutritional quality of Indonesian children but also to serve as a driver of sustainable local economic development.