Jakarta – The Free Nutritious Meal (MBG) Program, initiated by President Prabowo Subianto and Vice President Gibran Rakabuming, not only plays a crucial role in improving students’ nutritional intake but also serves as a driving force for regional economic growth by involving cooperatives and creating new job opportunities.
Minister of Cooperatives and SMEs (Menkop) Budi Arie Setiadi emphasized that cooperatives are a central component in supporting the implementation of MBG. As of now, 321 cooperatives have been verified and are ready to contribute to the program’s success.
“According to our data, 321 cooperatives have been verified and are institutionally and commercially prepared to support MBG,” stated Menkop Budi Arie Setiadi.
Cooperatives play a crucial role in supplying raw materials such as rice, vegetables, meat, eggs, fruits, and milk, which are then processed into nutritious meal packages for students. The Ministry of Cooperatives and SMEs continues to conduct verifications to increase the number of cooperatives involved.
“Verification is our duty to ensure cooperatives’ readiness. Of the 1,300 cooperatives we recorded, 321 have been deemed fit. We will continue collecting data,” he added.
On the other hand, the MBG kitchens, also known as the Nutrition Fulfillment Service Units (SPPG), play a significant role in creating new job opportunities.
Member of Commission IX of the House of Representatives (DPR RI), Zainul Munasichin, stated that MBG kitchens require a large workforce.
“From construction to operation, MBG kitchens require many workers, thereby increasing job opportunities and helping reduce unemployment in Indonesia,” he said.
Each MBG kitchen must have a minimum of 47 workers, including chefs, kitchen staff, distribution personnel, field workers, and cleaning staff. Additionally, the National Nutrition Agency (BGN) assigns kitchen heads, accountants, and nutritionists to support kitchen operations. The food supply chain also involves local farmers, ranchers, fishermen, and distributors to ensure economic circulation at the regional level.
President Prabowo Subianto’s MBG Program is expected to meet students’ nutritional needs, fostering a healthier and smarter generation. Moreover, this program promotes regional economic growth and reduces unemployment rates.
“As legislators working with BGN, we actively promote MBG to ensure the program runs smoothly and reaches all communities,” added Zainul Munasichin.
The MBG Program is a testament to the spirit of mutual cooperation (gotong royong) among various stakeholders in improving public welfare. By involving cooperatives and creating new job opportunities, this program not only secures the future of the younger generation but also strengthens the national economy and realizes the government’s vision of building a more prosperous and self-sufficient Indonesia.
