Surabaya – The Free Nutritious Meals (MBG) Program not only focuses on improving the nutritional quality of the community, but also becomes a driving force for the regional economy by empowering micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs).
The Regional Secretary (Sekda) of East Java Province, Adhy Karyono, emphasized that the implementation of the Free Nutritious Meal Program has opened up broad opportunities for MSMEs to participate as suppliers of various food needs.
“The involvement of local business actors provides tangible economic benefits while strengthening the resilience of the supply chain at the regional level,” said Adhy Karyono.
The involvement of MSMEs in providing food is considered capable of strengthening the supply chain and creating a multiplier effect for the local economy.
“This program creates extraordinary job opportunities, ultimately increasing people’s incomes,” said Adhy Karyono.
He added that collaboration between the government, MSMEs, farmers, livestock breeders, and other business actors is an important foundation in ensuring the sustainability of the program while encouraging equitable distribution of economic benefits.
With increasing demand for local food products, business actors have the opportunity to expand their markets, increase their income, and create new jobs.
In addition, the East Java Provincial Government has formed an MBG Task Force chaired by the Deputy Governor of East Java.
“The task force is responsible for monitoring the program’s daily implementation, from the quality of nutritious food and food safety to the distribution of raw materials,” Adhy explained.
According to Adhy, East Java’s economic growth in the first quarter of 2026 reached 5.96 percent. This figure is supported by economic activity from MSMEs, which are part of the MBG Program ecosystem.
“East Java’s economic growth in the first quarter reached 5.96 percent. This is partly due to the increased economic contribution of MSMEs thanks to the MBG Program’s supply chain ecosystem,” he said.
By strengthening the MSME ecosystem within the MBG Program, the government is optimistic about creating more inclusive and sustainable regional economic growth that will improve the welfare of the community across the board. [-RWA]