Free Nutritious Meals Revive the People’s Economy

Jakarta – Amidst the ever-growing economic challenges, the Indonesian Government has launched an innovative program that not only aims to improve public health, but also provide a major boost to the local economy. The Free Nutritious Meals (MBG) Program is a strategic step that is expected to address food security issues while strengthening people’s purchasing power and revitalizing the people’s economy throughout Indonesia.
Chairman of the National Economic Council (DEN), Luhut Binsar Pandjaitan said the positive response related to the Free Nutritious Meals (MBG) program that has begun to be implemented. Luhut stated that this program has provided a significant impact, both in terms of social and economic.
In addition to providing direct benefits to children, Luhut also assessed that this program had a positive impact at the village level.
“The money circulating in the village has become a lot. There are economic activities. People are starting to sell vegetables and other foods. This is only one week,” Luhut added.
The MBG program is designed to provide dual benefits. First, to provide communities with better access to nutritious and healthy food to improve their quality of life. Second, by involving farmers and local economic actors in the distribution and provision of food, this program is expected to strengthen the regional economy and have a direct impact on the welfare of farmers and micro and small business actors.
One of the most prominent aspects of the MBG Program is its contribution to the local economy. Through this program, the government is committed to working with local farmers, fishermen, and producers to ensure a sustainable supply of nutritious food.
Local agricultural products, such as rice, vegetables, fruits, fish, and meat, will be prioritized in this program. Thus, local farmers will not only get a wider market, but also get a more stable income. This will strengthen the regional economy, create new jobs, and reduce the economic gap between urban and rural areas.
National Economic Council member Arief Anshory Yusuf said the MBG program helps ease the burden on household consumption.
“One child gets Rp10,000, if a family has two children, that means Rp20,000 per day, so Rp400,000 per month. That’s almost equivalent to the poverty line,” said Arief.
Arief added that the positive impact of this program will not only be felt in the near future, but will also help increase people’s purchasing power in the medium term.
“Rp 400 thousand is quite large and can help families in difficulty,” he added.