Jakarta – The government continues to strengthen the Free Nutritious Meals (MBG) ecosystem, not only by providing nutritious food services but also by encouraging the emergence of new entrepreneurs in the nutrition sector. This initiative is expected to create jobs, strengthen the supply chain, and improve the welfare of communities in various regions.
This effort was realized through collaboration between the Ministry of Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) and the Central Executive Board of the Indonesian Nutritionists Association (DPP Persagi) to produce nutripreneurs, namely entrepreneurs who have competencies in the fields of nutrition and entrepreneurship.
Riza Adha Damanik, Deputy for Entrepreneurship at the Ministry of MSMEs, stated that the collaboration aims to develop human resources capable of providing health benefits while simultaneously stimulating the local economy.
“We welcome Persagi’s initiative to build collaboration within the framework of encouraging the emergence of nutripreneurs who possess nutrition-related expertise and, on the other hand, become entrepreneurs who contribute to the regional economy,” said Riza.
He explained that the government is preparing to strengthen business incubation, collect data through the SAPA UMKM platform, and develop an incubator network with Health Polytechnics and health-based universities. He said the incubation process will open access to training, mentoring, and financing through the Entrepreneurship and Job Creation Program (Prokersa).
Riza also assessed that the implementation of MBG in East Java showed a positive economic impact because it involved farmers, fishermen, livestock breeders, plantation owners, market traders, and MSMEs in the food supply chain.
“This scheme not only improves the nutritional quality of the community but also stimulates regional economic activity,” he said.
The General Chairperson of the DPP Persagi, Doddy Izwardy, said that this synergy is part of strengthening science-based nutrition development and entrepreneurship so that the benefits are sustainable.
Meanwhile, Hashim Djojohadikusumo, the President’s Special Envoy for Energy and Climate, confirmed that the MBG program will continue. “I think it’s no secret that the government is determined to continue the MBG program. We won’t stop until we succeed,” he said.
Hashim added that strong oversight remains key to ensuring the program’s success, ensuring its benefits are truly felt by the community, and supporting the improvement of human resource quality toward Golden Indonesia 2045.*