Jakarta – The government continues to expand the reach of the Free Nutritious Meal (MBG) program, which is one of President Prabowo Subianto’s flagship programs. As of early July 2025, this program has reached almost 7 million beneficiaries, involving almost 2,200 service kitchens (SPPG), and collaborating with more than 10,000 local business actors, such as MSMEs, cooperatives, and Village-Owned Enterprises (BUMDes).
“Next week, BGN will add 1.2 million beneficiaries, so that the total we will serve is almost 7 million beneficiaries,” said the Special Staff of the National Nutrition Agency (BGN), Redy Hendra Gunawan.
Redy detailed that currently 1,873 SPPG units have been operating, and in the near future 473 new units will be added. Thus, the total number of MBG service kitchens will reach almost 2,200 units, exceeding the BGN target in July which was originally set at 1,994 units.
“This means that BGN will absorb almost 100,000 direct workers who work in nutrition fulfillment service units,” explained Redy.
He added that BGN is also accelerating the verification process for around 4,000 prospective SPPG partners to achieve the national target in August, namely 8,000 SPPGs with a coverage of 24 million beneficiaries.
In terms of funding, the Coordinating Minister for Food, Zulkifli Hasan, stated that the realization of the MBG budget to date has reached IDR 5 trillion from the total ceiling that has been revised to IDR 121 trillion, after previously being planned at IDR 171 trillion.
“After this, we will accelerate to reach 82.9 million beneficiaries with a budget of IDR 121 trillion,” he said.
According to the Head of BGN, Dadan Hindayana, this budget adjustment takes into account the speed of implementation and the target that is estimated to be achieved before December 2025.
“I see that IDR 82.9 trillion will be achieved in November. So an additional IDR 50 trillion is enough,” said Dadan.
By involving local MSMEs and cooperatives as suppliers of raw materials, the MBG program creates a multiplier effect in the production, distribution, and employment sectors.
BGN also ensures that prospective beneficiaries from disadvantaged, outermost, and remote areas have been identified and will begin receiving assistance in August. Therefore, this program is expected to not only have an impact on improving the nutrition of Indonesian children, but also strengthen the foundation of a sustainable people’s economy.
