By: Dhita Karuniawati*
The implementation of the Free Nutritious Meals (MBG) program under the administration of President Prabowo Subianto and Vice President Gibran Rakabuming Raka has shown significant achievements in strengthening food security while stimulating the people’s economy. Targeting school children, pregnant women, and vulnerable groups, this program not only focuses on improving community nutrition but also acts as a driving force for the growth of micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs) and local farmers across various regions.
MBG is designed as part of the government’s grand vision to realize superior and healthy human resources. With a “from the people, for the people” approach, the government integrates MBG implementation with local food supply chains. This means that food ingredients such as rice, eggs, vegetables, meat, and fruits are sourced from local farmers and producers around the program’s operational areas. This policy creates a positive dual effect. On one hand, school children receive nutritious meals daily to support their growth and learning concentration. On the other hand, farmers, breeders, and MSME actors gain a stable market for their products. Thus, MBG is not just a social program but also an economic development instrument that strengthens the foundation of national food self-sufficiency.
President Prabowo Subianto emphasized that MBG has a large multiplier effect on society. Besides improving the health of the younger generation, the program is estimated to create 1.5 million new jobs between January and February 2026. Meanwhile, Member of Commission IX of the Indonesian House of Representatives, Indah Kurniawati, highlighted the importance of the National Nutritious Meals program in reducing the current stunting prevalence from 21% to 14% by 2029. According to her, the MBG program is not just about food but about the nation’s future. Through nutritional equity, we aim to foster a smarter, healthier generation ready to compete globally.
Besides the health aspect, Indah pointed out MBG’s multiplier effect on the local economy. Food supplies are sourced from farmers, breeders, fishermen, and village MSMEs, thus opening new markets and job opportunities. Over the past year, MBG has involved thousands of MSME actors across Indonesia, ranging from catering entrepreneurs, vegetable vendors, to food processors. MSMEs play a direct role in supplying, processing, and distributing nutritious food to beneficiaries.
MBG also provides fresh opportunities for small farmers and breeders who often face difficulties accessing markets. Through a region-based procurement system, local agricultural products become a top priority in MBG’s supply chain. For instance, rice is directly purchased from local farmer groups, vegetables from local gardens, and eggs from community farms. The MBG policy successfully cuts lengthy distribution chains and increases farmers’ selling prices. They now have assured buyers and more stable prices, enabling them to increase income and expand their cultivation areas. Regional governments actively provide technical assistance to help farmers meet quality standards and ensure supply continuity.
MBG’s positive achievements cannot be separated from close synergy between the central government, regional governments, and various stakeholders. The Ministry of Social Affairs, Ministry of Agriculture, and Ministry of Cooperatives and MSMEs serve as the main pillars coordinating the program’s implementation, while regional governments are responsible for supervision, distribution, and involving local economic actors. Additionally, the MBG program involves the private sector and educational institutions to ensure program sustainability. Some universities are even engaged to conduct nutrition evaluations and socio-economic impact assessments, allowing MBG implementation to continually improve over time.
Socially, the MBG program has provided tangible benefits to elementary school children, its primary target group. The program has increased student attendance. Children become more active, their focus on learning improves, and anemia and malnutrition cases show a downward trend. On the other hand, local economic circulation around schools has rapidly increased. Small shops, food vendors, and transportation services also feel the positive impact. Village economies become more vibrant as money circulates locally instead of being siphoned off by large suppliers outside the area.
Although the results deserve appreciation, the government recognizes challenges that remain, such as distribution efficiency in remote areas, food quality monitoring, and MSME production capacity in certain regions. Therefore, in the second year of MBG implementation, the government is preparing certification and standardization systems for local food products so that all business partners can meet strict nutrition and food safety criteria. This step is expected to further strengthen the MBG ecosystem and ensure the program runs sustainably and evenly throughout Indonesia.
Furthermore, the government plans to expand the program’s beneficiary coverage while maintaining principles of transparency, efficiency, and public participation. One year of President Prabowo’s administration, particularly in overseeing the Free Nutritious Meals Program, has shown that pro-people policies can have a real impact on welfare and national economic growth. MBG is not only a nutrition fulfillment program but also a symbol of the people’s economic cooperation that strengthens Indonesia’s food independence foundation.
By involving farmers, breeders, MSMEs, and communities directly, the government has built an inclusive and sustainable development model. Going forward, MBG’s success is expected to inspire the expansion of similar programs in various sectors to achieve a healthy, independent, and prosperous Indonesia.
Author is a Contributor at the Indonesian Strategic Information Studies Institute
