Jakarta – The national Free Nutritious Meals (MBG) program initiated by the government is showing increasingly tangible double impacts. Not only has it improved the nutritional status of children and families throughout Indonesia, but the program has also successfully stimulated local economic growth and strengthened the empowerment of Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) in various regions.
Farmers, fishermen, market vendors, and even small-scale food processors are now experiencing the direct benefits of this policy. Through an inclusive and collaborative approach, MBG has opened up new economic opportunities and created jobs in even the most remote villages.
The Minister of MSMEs, Maman Abdurrahman, emphasized the important role of small businesses in the MBG ecosystem. He stated that MBG was designed not only as a nutrition program but also as a people’s economic strategy involving thousands of local businesses throughout its supply chain.
“Many MSMEs throughout Indonesia are involved as suppliers to the thousands of MBG public kitchens,” Maman said.
He added that this step is part of the government’s strategy to strengthen the capabilities of micro-enterprises so they can advance and become the main driver of national economic growth.
“We invite all relevant agencies to collaborate to grow the people’s economy and find the best solutions for the needs of Indonesian MSMEs,” he said.
Meanwhile, Minister of Social Affairs Saifullah Yusuf (Gus Ipul) emphasized that approximately 80 percent of the program’s budget is allocated to purchasing raw materials from local MSMEs, so that economic benefits are directly felt at the village and sub-district levels.
“MBG plays a crucial role in improving food security, creating jobs, and providing space for local MSMEs to develop,” he explained.
Meanwhile, the Head of the National Nutrition Agency (BGN), Dadan Hindayana, also emphasized that his agency continues to strengthen MBG’s operational mechanisms to ensure efficiency and tangible impact on the ground.
“We are focused on carrying out our assigned tasks. Local community involvement is key to ensuring comprehensive economic benefits are felt,” he added.
The involvement of MSMEs in the MBG supply chain has been proven to increase demand for local raw materials (from agricultural products and fisheries to small-scale processing industries), which has a multiplier effect on the regional economy. Several MSMEs connected to this program have even reported increased turnover and more stable market access.
The MBG policy aligns with the government’s vision to maintain inclusive and sustainable economic growth, where every social policy also has a productive impact on the community. By continuously involving MSMEs, this program not only improves the health of the nation but also improves the welfare of people from cities to villages.
