By: Alexandro Dimitri*)
The Free Nutritious Meals (MBG) program currently being implemented by the government not only aims to provide healthy food for students and priority groups, but also serves as a major strategy to stimulate the people’s economy through a well-coordinated supply chain. Amidst the global uncertainty caused by volatile food prices and challenges in international distribution, the MBG presents a comprehensive domestic approach oriented towards long-term development. This program demonstrates that social policies can be designed in harmony with strengthening regional economies and improving the welfare of the wider community.
Coordinating Minister for Food Affairs, Zulkifli Hasan, stated that the MBG is not simply a food distribution program, but rather an effort to build a more vibrant economic pattern for the community. He explained that the increasing demand for foodstuffs such as eggs, vegetables, fish, and locally processed products can stimulate various sectors simultaneously, from farmers, livestock breeders, fishermen, to small businesses that manage distribution and provide food processing services. He stated that when all supplies are sourced from domestic producers, the economic potential created can reach enormous levels each year. This initiative demonstrates the government’s desire to ensure that the benefits of the MBG extend beyond nutrition, but also provide growth opportunities for small-scale economic actors who have been the backbone of the community’s livelihoods.
Furthermore, Zulkifli emphasized that this program can be a crucial foundation for national food self-sufficiency. If demand for food continues to increase evenly across all regions, the government will also be encouraged to improve the production ecosystem and expand market access for local businesses. In several regions, activity in food centers has begun to revive as stable markets become available through the MBG. For regions that have been marginalized by the national economic flow, this opportunity will be crucial for accelerating equitable growth.
The Head of the National Nutrition Agency, Dadan Hindayana, explained that the success of the MBG depends on the readiness of three critical elements: an adequate budget, competent human resources, and supporting infrastructure. He emphasized that the government is finalizing a regulatory framework that will serve as technical guidelines, covering everything from food quality standards and kitchen hygiene procedures to oversight of distribution channels. According to him, the draft regulations are designed to ensure consistent implementation of the MBG and prevent potential irregularities that could harm the community.
Dadan also highlighted the need for stricter oversight of the organizers’ kitchens to prevent a recurrence of food safety incidents. He emphasized that every provider must comply with standard food processing procedures and undergo a certification process before participating in the program. The government, he continued, has taken corrective measures in several regions by providing direct training to providers and mentoring them to ensure safer food preparation and serving. These steps demonstrate the government’s commitment to ensuring that every meal received by the public meets the nutritional and hygiene standards.
Economist Awalil Rizky believes that the MBG program is beginning to show a positive impact in the regions. He noted that food sales in traditional markets have stabilized, and even increased, due to regular demand from free meal providers. This helps mitigate price fluctuations at the local level and provides income security for small businesses. Awalil believes that the MBG program has the potential to become a significant driver of the regional economy if its management is consistently maintained and continuously improved. He believes that when the production and distribution channels are well-organized, the program can provide market security for small producers who have been highly dependent on seasonal and daily demand variations.
He added that the success of the MBG will depend on the local government’s ability to synergize the local agriculture, fisheries, and trade sectors so that all parties receive equitable benefits. Through this approach, the MBG can become a collaborative space that aligns food needs with the production capacity of local communities. Furthermore, Awalil believes this program can serve as a reflection of how social policies can create a sustainable economic ecosystem, rather than simply short-term interventions.
While the global food supply chain continues to face uncertain shocks, Indonesia has chosen a strategy that emphasizes domestic strengths.The Food and Nutrition Program (MBG) demonstrates the government’s efforts to strengthen food security by maximizing the potential of local producers. In addition to creating new markets, this initiative also reduces dependence on imported products, which are vulnerable to fluctuations in global prices. The government also encourages regions to prioritize local ingredients so that added economic value flows back to the surrounding communities.
With regulatory readiness, tightened oversight, and strengthened intersectoral collaboration, the MBG represents a clear manifestation of the government’s commitment to the people. This program integrates nutrition, welfare, and economic agendas into a single, mutually reinforcing policy. Through the MBG, the government sends a clear message that development must not leave behind the common people, and that economic growth must involve all levels of society.
*) The author is an economic observer