Jakarta – The Free Nutritious Meals Program (MBG) is a remarkable government initiative aimed at strengthening the quality of human resources and creating nationwide employment opportunities. This program not only addresses the challenges of nutritional fulfillment but is also projected to directly and indirectly absorb up to 1.5 million workers across Indonesia.
Minister of Manpower, Yassierli, emphasized the Ministry’s full support for the implementation of the MBG program. This commitment is demonstrated by the signing of a memorandum of understanding between the Ministry of Manpower and the National Nutrition Agency (BGN) to synergize efforts in accelerating nutritional fulfillment and national employment.
“The Ministry of Manpower is fully committed to supporting the MBG program due to its tremendous employment potential. It’s a strategic initiative that will significantly enhance the quality of Indonesia’s workforce,” said Yassierli.
According to him, the program is an integral part of the national development agenda, which is inclusive and responsive to issues of nutrition and unemployment. Therefore, strong inter-agency collaboration will accelerate the equitable distribution of the program’s benefits.
Various facilities under the Ministry of Manpower, such as BBPVP, BPPK, and Community BLKs, are being optimized as training and education centers for the Nutritional Fulfillment Service Units (SPPG).
“The Ministry has ready-to-use, high-quality training infrastructure. With intensive training and competency certification, MBG personnel will meet high standards,” Yassierli asserted.
Meanwhile, Head of the National Nutrition Agency, Dadan Hindayana, stated that MBG is the government’s largest investment in human resource development in the history of modern Indonesia. With a target of establishing 30,000 SPPGs across the country, the program is expected to absorb 1.5 million direct workers in the nutritious food sector.
“Each service unit involves dozens of workers in crucial roles, from nutritionists and accountants to volunteers. This creates a healthy and productive employment structure,” Dadan explained.
As of April 2025, a total of 1,072 active SPPGs have been established, employing more than 3,000 professionals currently supporting MBG implementation on the ground.
Moreover, the program has had a direct impact on increasing the income of low-income communities, particularly housewives who previously had no source of income. “Now, they can earn a stable income of IDR 2 million per month. This is concrete proof of the state’s presence in improving public welfare,” said Dadan.
The MBG program also offers great opportunities for local entrepreneurship. To date, 15 new types of businesses have emerged, ranging from local food suppliers and organic waste processors to used cooking oil recyclers. This not only strengthens the circular economy but also opens up potential for future local food exports.
With strong commitment from the central government, inter-ministerial synergy, and broad public support, the MBG Program stands as solid proof of the government’s tangible efforts to build a people-centered economy based on nutrition, employment, and entrepreneurship.
