By: Eleine Pramesti )*
The Free Nutritious Meals (MBG) Program has become a strategic step in strengthening the foundation of Indonesia’s national development. Amid increasingly complex global challenges, increasing the nation’s competitiveness is determined not only by physical and technological investments, but also by the quality of human resources. In this context, MBG is not merely a program to meet food needs, but an integral part of a long-term strategy that combines aspects of health, education, and economic productivity to promote sustainable national development.
Minister of National Development Planning/Head of Bappenas, Rachmat Pambudy, stated that the MBG program has the potential to contribute up to 0.86 percent to national economic growth. He stated that the MBG program’s economic contribution will depend heavily on the realization and quality of its spending. He emphasized the importance of monitoring MBG implementation so that its impact is not only visible in the budget, but also in direct economic and social outcomes.
Meanwhile, the Chairman of Commission XI of the Indonesian House of Representatives (DPR RI), Mukhamad Misbakhun, stated that the MBG program is one of the National Strategic Projects (PSN) with the potential to drive economic growth. He assessed that the contribution of other sectors also needs to be considered to achieve the growth targets set by the government.
National development oriented towards competitiveness requires a comprehensive approach, including attention to the quality of community nutrition from an early age. The MBG is a response to the problems of malnutrition and stunting, which have burdened the national health and education systems for years. By providing nutritious food, this program strives to ensure that Indonesian children grow optimally, have high cognitive capacity, and are ready to compete in the global era.
The availability of free nutritious food for students and vulnerable groups not only provides short-term benefits such as increased energy and concentration, but also long-term benefits such as increased learning capacity, reduced dropout rates, and increased resistance to disease. Thus, the MBG directly encourages the creation of a healthy and intelligent, productive generation, a key asset in global competition across various sectors, from the digital economy and creative industries to research and technology.
The MBG also reflects the spirit of equitable development. In many rural and underdeveloped areas, access to nutritious food remains a major challenge. This program provides an opportunity to reduce regional disparities by providing equitable nutritional standards for all Indonesian children. When children from diverse socio-economic backgrounds have equal opportunities to grow optimally, social inequality can be reduced and local economic potential can be further explored.
Another impact of the MBG program is job creation in the food distribution, processing, and logistics sectors. As the program expands across Indonesia, demand for labor increases, especially in areas that previously lacked economic opportunities. This program not only revitalizes public kitchens but also creates new business opportunities in the catering, delivery, and packaging sectors of healthy food.
The Inspector General of General Supervision (Irwasum) of the Indonesian National Police, Commissioner General Prof. Dr. Dedi Prasetyo, expressed his appreciation for the construction of the MBG Nutrition Fulfillment Service Unit (SPPG) at the Central Kalimantan Regional Police (Kalteng), as a concrete manifestation of support for the national priority program of President Prabowo Subianto’s Asta Cita.
He stated that the construction of this facility has met eligibility standards, both in terms of infrastructure, kitchen equipment, and the readiness of the human resources involved in the production and distribution of nutritious food. Furthermore, his office is committed to bridging national strategic programs with the real needs of the community, one of which is through free nutritious food services.
From a long-term perspective, a generation that grows up healthy and well-nourished has a greater opportunity to become a superior workforce capable of competing internationally. As the quality of human resources improves, national productivity will surge, and Indonesia’s position on the global competitive map will strengthen. It is no exaggeration to say that the MBG is a valuable investment for the future, as its benefits will be felt for decades to come through an increase in the human development index and inclusive economic growth.
The MBG is also a crucial instrument in strengthening the social protection system. By ensuring that every child receives healthy and adequate food, the state demonstrates its commitment to vulnerable groups and guarantees the basic rights of every child.citizens. When the Free Nutritional Meal Program (MBG) is integrated with the national education system, it creates a public policy model based on welfare and social justice. This is part of the structural reform effort to create people-centered development.
Overall, the Free Nutritional Meal Program has a highly strategic multidimensional impact on national development. It addresses the root causes of the nation’s problems with a holistic approach, simultaneously addressing health, education, economic, and social aspects. By continuing to expand its reach, improve the quality of implementation, and ensure sustainable funding, the MBG can become a significant milestone in Indonesia’s transformation into a developed nation that is resilient, equitable, and highly competitive globally.
)* Journalist at Indogrowth Resources Institute
