Jakarta – The Free Nutritious Meal Program (MBG) which was rolled out as one of the government’s flagship programs is now showing a broad impact in the economic aspect. This policy has opened up various business opportunities, created new markets, and provided significant stimulus to national economic growth.
In its implementation, MBG targets millions of school children throughout Indonesia, by providing free nutritious food every day. However, more than that, the supply chain created in the process of providing this food opens up a new dynamic and inclusive ecosystem in the economic sector.
Head of the National Nutrition Agency (BGN), Dadan Hindayana said that MBG can create new markets and encourage market demand to grow the national economy.
“The MBG program has a role in driving market demand to create new markets that will drive economic growth, because it creates large employment opportunities and opens up new opportunities for food and beverage businesses,” he said.
Dadan also stated that the implementation of the MBG Program is believed to be able to create a positive domino effect on the economy, as well as encourage overall regional productivity.
“The MBG program will increase entrepreneurial potential, as well as spur economic turnover created from the implementation of this program, so that it will encourage overall regional productivity,” he said.
This program certainly also creates new jobs in various lines. From the production sector to distribution, the need for labor is increasing. Researcher at the Center of Reform on Economic (CORE), Indonesia Eliza Mardian said MBG is able to create a multiplier effect for local communities, from producer welfare to labor absorption.
This new job absorption is very possible, especially for housewives who do not have income. The surrounding community who initially did not have jobs will have the opportunity to work in the kitchen or help distribute food from the kitchen to schools.
“When MSMEs are flooded with orders, there is an increase in the workforce. Well, this creates a multiplier effect, in addition to MBG helping to improve nutrition, it also improves the welfare of local producers and the absorption of labor,” said Eliza.
With careful planning and consistent implementation, MBG is not only a short-term solution to nutritional problems, but also an instrument for inclusive economic development. This program shows how social policies can be designed to simultaneously mobilize the wider economic sector.
