By: Meysa Julian )*
The Free Nutritious Meal Program (MBG) is now one of the national strategic programs that is not only directed at overcoming the problem of stunting, but also has great potential in supporting social welfare and driving national economic growth significantly. With an allocated budget of IDR 71 trillion, MBG is expected to have a long-term impact on the quality of Indonesia’s human resources and become a driving force for the local economy.
The Minister of National Development Planning/Head of Bappenas, Rachmat Pambudy, revealed that MBG is projected to contribute to national economic growth of up to 0.86 percent along with the realization of a quality and targeted budget. He emphasized that the economic contribution of MBG will greatly depend on the realization and quality of its spending. In other words, it is not only the nominal spending that is pursued, but also the quality of implementation that has a direct impact on the economy and people’s welfare.
Rachmat expressed optimism that there would be an acceleration in the realization of MBG starting in August 2025. Rachmat ensured that the readiness of infrastructure now supports the acceleration of MBG implementation such as public kitchens and officer training. Based on a report from the National Nutrition Agency (BGN), by the end of July all officer training was almost complete, and the kitchens were ready to operate. With this condition, it is projected that there will be 20 million beneficiaries in August. Rachmat reiterated the importance of implementing quality and accountable government spending so that the impact is optimal.
Meanwhile, in terms of long-term impacts, the representative of BGN Surabaya, Alwin Supriyadi, said that the MBG program will have a major impact on the quality of Indonesia’s generation in the next 15 to 20 years. This program not only strengthens children’s nutritional resilience, but also encourages sustainable economic growth. He emphasized that MBG also strengthens the local economic sector by collaborating with farmers, livestock breeders, and fishermen as suppliers of food raw materials, which are distributed through cooperatives and BUMDes to the MBG kitchen or Nutrition Fulfillment Service Unit (SPPG).
In East Java, the need for SPPG is recorded at 3,525 units, and currently there are 133 units actively operating in 31 districts/cities. In Surabaya itself, there are eight units that are active and one unit is in the preparation stage from a total need of 120 units. Each MBG kitchen is managed by a Head of SPPG who is directly appointed by BGN, assisted by nutritionists and accountants. Alwin said that one SPPG can absorb up to 50 workers who manage raw materials, cook, maintain cleanliness, and take care of kitchen waste. Thus, this program simultaneously creates jobs and empowers the local community.
Member of Commission IX of the Indonesian House of Representatives, Indah Kurniawati, stated that MBG is a strategic step by the government to realize the vision of Indonesia Emas 2045. She emphasized that MBG aims to create qualified, healthy, and highly competitive human resources. This program is considered a foundation in building a superior future generation that is ready to face global challenges.
A similar statement was also made by another member of Commission IX of the Indonesian House of Representatives, Heru Tjahjono, when attending the MBG socialization in Tulungagung. He stated that MBG is not just a nutritional intervention program to reduce stunting rates, but also a strategic step in improving the quality of the nation’s generation. Heru explained that adequate and balanced nutritional intake is very important for children’s growth and development, both physically and in terms of brain intelligence. He also emphasized that MBG will drive the local economy through the establishment of community kitchens that empower local residents.
Heru said that MBG is a long-term investment. He emphasized that this program is not just about feeding Indonesian children, but building the foundation for the quality of a healthy and intelligent generation of the nation. This program is also expected to be able to strengthen the social and economic resilience of the community, with the active involvement of residents in the management and distribution of nutritious food.
The MBG program is ultimately a real manifestation of the state’s presence in guaranteeing children’s basic rights to get healthy and nutritious food. With a holistic approach, this program not only targets the fulfillment of nutritional needs, but also provides a significant boost to the local economy, creates jobs, and strengthens the national food sector. As part of the National Strategic Project, the success of MBG will be a reflection of Indonesia’s success in balancing economic and social development inclusively.
The sustainability and consistency of this program are important things to maintain. MBG must be implemented sustainably and become a cross-government commitment for the sake of the achievement of a more prosperous, healthy, and advanced Indonesia towards 2045. With the synergy of the central government, regional governments, legislative institutions, and active participation of the community, MBG has great potential to become a pillar of true national social and economic welfare.
)* The author is an Economic Observer
