JAKARTA – The Free Nutritious Meal (MBG) Program, initiated by President Prabowo Subianto, is not only aimed at improving the nutritional quality of the community but also serves as a solution for job creation across various regions. This program provides employment opportunities in production, distribution, and healthy food management sectors, directly contributing to local economic growth.
The Ministry of Manpower (Kemnaker), in collaboration with the National Nutrition Agency (BGN), continues to optimize workforce absorption under this program. Minister of Manpower Yassierli emphasized that MBG has significant potential to reduce the national unemployment rate.
“We are mapping out how each MBG service unit can contribute to increasing employment,” said Yassierli.
The positive impact of this program has already been felt in many areas. One example is Indah, a housewife from Banyuasin, South Sumatra, who now has a stable income through an MBG kitchen. In a TikTok post, she shared her experience of how working in an MBG kitchen has helped support her family’s economy.
Member of Commission IX of the House of Representatives (DPR RI), Zainul Munasichin, stated that the presence of MBG kitchens, or the Nutrition Fulfillment Service Units (SPPG), has created numerous new job opportunities.
“From construction to operational stages, MBG kitchens require a significant workforce. As a result, job opportunities increase, helping to lower the unemployment rate,” said Zainul Munasichin.
Each MBG kitchen employs at least 47 workers, including chefs, kitchen staff, distribution personnel, field workers, and cleaning staff. Additionally, BGN assigns a kitchen head, accountant, and nutritionist to ensure smooth operations. Most of these jobs are filled by locals, except for specialized roles that require professional certification.
Beyond job creation, the MBG program also supports the local economy by involving farmers, ranchers, fishermen, and distributors in food supply chains. This ensures a broader and more sustainable economic cycle.
The MBG program is a tangible demonstration of the government’s commitment to the people. In addition to ensuring adequate nutrition for students and fostering a strong, intelligent generation, it serves as a strategic tool to enhance economic resilience. The government and DPR RI continue to promote the program to ensure its smooth and widespread implementation across Indonesia.
MBG kitchens are also closely monitored to meet hygiene standards, proper nutrition management, and waste disposal regulations. This ensures that the program not only benefits health and employment but also maintains a clean and sustainable environment.
The MBG program is expected to be a comprehensive solution that supports the government’s vision of building a healthy, productive, and prosperous society.
