By: Eleine Pramesti
The Free Nutritious Meals Program (MBG) has emerged as one of Indonesia’s strategic initiatives in strengthening the foundation of national development. Amid increasingly complex global challenges, a nation’s competitiveness is determined not only by physical and technological investments but also by the quality of its human resources. In this context, MBG is more than just a food provision program—it is an integral part of a long-term strategy combining health, education, and economic productivity to drive sustainable national development.
Minister of National Development Planning/Head of Bappenas, Rachmat Pambudy, stated that MBG has the potential to contribute up to 0.86 percent to national economic growth. According to him, the economic contribution of MBG will largely depend on the realization and quality of its spending. He stressed the importance of strict monitoring of MBG implementation so that its impact is reflected not only in budget figures but also in direct economic and social outcomes.
Meanwhile, Chairman of Commission XI of the House of Representatives (DPR RI), Mukhamad Misbakhun, emphasized that MBG is among the National Strategic Projects (PSN) capable of boosting economic growth. He noted that contributions from other sectors must also be considered to achieve the government’s targeted growth rates.
Nation-building focused on competitiveness requires a comprehensive approach, including attention to community nutritional quality from an early age. MBG serves as a solution to long-standing issues such as malnutrition and stunting, which have burdened the national health and education systems for years. By providing nutritious food, this program aims to ensure Indonesian children grow optimally, develop strong cognitive abilities, and are prepared to compete in the global era.
Access to free nutritious meals for students and vulnerable groups offers not only short-term benefits—such as improved energy and concentration—but also long-term advantages, including enhanced learning capacity, reduced dropout rates, and greater resilience to disease. Consequently, MBG directly contributes to the creation of a healthy, intelligent, and productive generation that serves as a key asset in global competition across sectors such as digital economy, creative industries, and research and technology.
MBG also reflects the spirit of equitable development. In many rural and underdeveloped areas, access to nutritious food remains a significant challenge. This program helps narrow interregional gaps by providing standardized nutrition for all Indonesian children. When children from diverse social and economic backgrounds are given equal opportunities to grow optimally, social inequalities can be reduced, and local economic potential more fully developed.
Another key impact of MBG is job creation across distribution, food processing, and logistics sectors. As the program expands nationwide, demand for labor increases, particularly in areas previously lacking economic opportunities. This program not only sustains public kitchens but also fosters new businesses in catering, delivery services, and healthy food packaging sectors.
Inspector General of Police Supervision (Irwasum), Commissioner General Prof. Dr. Dedi Prasetyo, expressed his appreciation for the establishment of MBG’s Nutrition Fulfillment Service Units (SPPG) at the Central Kalimantan Police Headquarters, recognizing it as a tangible contribution to the national priority agenda, Asta Cita, of President Prabowo Subianto.
He affirmed that these facilities meet proper standards in infrastructure, kitchen equipment, and workforce readiness involved in the production and distribution of nutritious meals. He also stated that his institution is committed to bridging national strategic programs with real community needs, particularly through the provision of free nutritious food services.
From a long-term perspective, a generation raised with proper nutrition has a greater chance of becoming a highly skilled workforce capable of competing internationally. As the quality of human resources improves, national productivity will surge, strengthening Indonesia’s position on the global competitiveness map. It is not an exaggeration to say that MBG represents a highly valuable future investment, as its benefits will be felt for decades through higher human development indices and inclusive economic growth.
MBG also serves as a vital instrument in strengthening the social protection system. By ensuring that every child receives healthy, adequate meals, the state affirms its commitment to protecting vulnerable groups and safeguarding the basic rights of every citizen. When MBG is integrated into the national education system, it represents a model of public policy rooted in welfare and social justice. This initiative forms part of structural reforms aimed at fostering human-centered development.
Overall, the Free Nutritious Meals Program has multidimensional impacts that are highly strategic for national development. It addresses fundamental national issues through a holistic approach, simultaneously touching health, education, economic, and social dimensions. By continuing to expand its reach, improving implementation quality, and ensuring sustainable funding, MBG can become a crucial milestone in Indonesia’s transformation into a resilient, equitable, and highly competitive developed country on the global stage.
Journalist at Indogrowth Resources Institute
