Jakarta — The national Free Nutritious Meals (MBG) program initiated by the government is increasingly demonstrating a dual impact: not only improving the nutritional status of children and families throughout Indonesia, but also providing a tangible boost to local economic growth and empowering Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs).
With synergy between state institutions, this program is a significant milestone in achieving economic equality and improving public welfare.
As a national priority program, MBG presents a development model that combines social and economic interventions. According to recent data, MBG has expanded its scope by directly impacting the local food supply chain and establishing partnerships with MSMEs in various regions.
The program’s large-scale capacity, with a budget allocation of hundreds of trillions of rupiah, strengthens the government’s commitment to making MSMEs the backbone of the people’s economy.
Minister of MSMEs, Maman Abdurrahman, emphasized the important role of MSMEs in the MBG ecosystem.
“Because many MSMEs throughout Indonesia are involved as suppliers to the thousands of MBG public kitchens,” said Maman.
He further added that this step is a government strategy to strengthen the capabilities of micro-enterprises so they can advance and become the main drivers of national economic growth.
“We consistently invite all relevant agencies to collaborate to grow the people’s economy and find the best solutions for the needs of Indonesian MSMEs,” Maman added.
Meanwhile, Minister of Social Affairs Saifullah Yusuf (Gus Ipul) sees MBG as an instrument that extends social benefits to the productive economy of citizens.
“This program is designed to ensure adequate nutrition for the community, especially children. However, its impact does not stop there. This program also plays a crucial role in improving food security, creating jobs, and providing space for local MSMEs to develop,” said Ipul.
He emphasized that approximately 80 percent of the program’s budget is allocated to purchasing raw materials from local MSMEs, so that the economic benefits are directly felt at the village and sub-district levels.
Regarding regulation and quality control, the Head of the National Nutrition Agency (BGN), Dadan Hindayana, stated that his agency continues to strengthen the operational mechanisms of the MBG.
“The National Nutrition Agency is focused on carrying out its assigned duties,” said Dadan.
He added that this reflects the government’s commitment to maintaining the integrity of the process while maximizing the positive impact of the MBG program.
“Local community involvement is key to ensuring comprehensive economic benefits,” Dadan explained.
Concretely, the involvement of MSMEs in the MBG has been proven to increase stable demand for local raw materials—from farmers and fishermen to small-scale processing entrepreneurs—providing a multiplier effect on the regional economy.
In several regions, MSMEs connected to this program have reported increased turnover and clearer market access. This policy aligns with the government’s vision to maintain the momentum of inclusive and sustainable economic growth.
With a spirit of cross-ministerial collaboration, the government continues to strengthen the MSME empowerment model through the MBG. This strategy emphasizes its commitment to bringing direct benefits to the community and strengthening the foundation of the national economy. Through these concrete steps, the Government demonstrates that equitable economic growth is not just a slogan, but a real and sustainable policy direction.*
