Free Nutritious Meal Program: A Serious Government Effort to Realize the 2045 Golden Generation
By: Arman Panggabean
The Indonesian government continues to demonstrate its strong commitment to building a solid foundation for high-quality human resources through various flagship programs. One of the most prominent initiatives is the Free Nutritious Meal Program (MBG), designed to address child nutrition issues, reduce stunting rates, and improve both educational and health outcomes from an early age. This program forms a vital part of the national commitment to preparing a healthy, intelligent, and competitive Golden Generation by 2045.
Behind the ambitious implementation of MBG lies a broader strategy involving the strengthening of local ecosystems. The National Economic Council (DEN), through its chairperson, encourages Nutrition Fulfillment Service Units (SPPGs)—which function as kitchens providing nutritious meals—to prioritize sourcing raw materials from local vegetable farmers, egg producers, and micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs) operating nearby. This approach is believed to amplify the program’s economic impact while simultaneously reinforcing local food sovereignty.
By prioritizing local ingredients, the economic benefits are not only experienced by the children receiving nutritious meals but also by the farmers and MSMEs gaining stable market access. This collaboration between food providers and local economic actors is expected to build mutually beneficial production chains, empower regional self-sufficiency, and strengthen grassroots economic resilience.
However, realizing this vision requires significant budgetary allocations. In its initial phase, the program has already absorbed tens of trillions of rupiah, and that figure is expected to rise as coverage areas and beneficiaries expand. This need becomes even more pressing considering the program’s extensive target: to reach nearly 83 million beneficiaries across Indonesia by the end of 2025.
The Head of the National Nutrition Agency (BGN) stated that the budget surge is a natural consequence of the program’s massive scale. An estimated additional Rp50 trillion will be needed to continue providing nutritious meals through the end of 2025. This indicates a progressive yet prudent fiscal strategy by the government.
Despite the high cost, the budgeting approach is accompanied by improvements in data-based reporting and monitoring systems. This method ensures greater transparency and accountability in MBG’s implementation, making it a benchmark for managing other social programs. The effectiveness of budget management is also reflected in the steady increase in budget absorption month by month, indicating a measured and well-targeted execution of the program.
The success of MBG also hinges on close collaboration between the central and regional governments. This partnership is considered a crucial element to ensure that planning, funding, distribution, and monitoring of the program are conducted in an integrated manner and adapted to local conditions. Members of Commission IX of the House of Representatives have emphasized the importance of intense coordination among legislative bodies, the executive, and regional governments to ensure the program is truly effective and meets community needs directly.
In addition to improved coordination, MBG also holds great potential for creating local employment. Every nutrition kitchen established in a city or regency opens new job opportunities, thereby helping to reduce unemployment. This proves that the impact of MBG extends beyond health and education—it also touches on broader economic and social spheres.
The Minister of Home Affairs acknowledged that local governments have shown tremendous enthusiasm in supporting MBG. Many regional leaders have already allocated part of their local budgets (APBD) to help fund the program. In fact, regional government contributions to MBG are projected to reach Rp2.3 trillion in 2025. This demonstrates growing intergovernmental collaboration, especially in realizing the national priorities championed by President Prabowo Subianto.
Interestingly, regional support for MBG is not solely driven by compliance with central policies. It also stems from a genuine awareness of the program’s benefits for local welfare and development. Some regional heads even view their involvement in MBG as a positive political move, as the program provides tangible benefits that resonate strongly with the public.
With concrete actions and increasingly solid synergy between central and regional governments, MBG’s implementation continues to show positive progress. This effort reflects the state’s genuine seriousness in shaping the future of its young generation through a comprehensive approach—starting with full stomachs and proper nutrition.
The Free Nutritious Meal Program is not merely a food assistance initiative—it is a long-term investment in human development. Through this program, every plate served becomes part of a greater mission to shape a superior, healthy, and globally competitive generation. If the program’s sustainability and quality are maintained, the dream of achieving Indonesia’s Golden Generation 2045 will not remain a dream—it will become a reality in the making.
Social Policy Analyst – Lembaga Sosial Madani Institute
