One Year of Prabowo-Gibran Administration: MBG Brings Real Change to Child Nutrition and Village Economy
Jakarta — Marking one year of President Prabowo and Vice President Gibran’s administration, the flagship Free Nutritious Meals (MBG) program has drawn public attention for delivering tangible improvements in children’s nutrition and stimulating village economies.
Government data shows that by August 2025, over 20 million people—including schoolchildren, preschoolers, pregnant and breastfeeding mothers—have benefited from daily nutritious meals provided by MBG. Additionally, the program has created around 290,000 jobs in local food processing sectors and engaged one million farmers, fishers, livestock farmers, and MSMEs as partners supplying food ingredients.
Member of the House Commission IX, Mariana, emphasized that MBG is more than a social policy; it is a heartfelt government movement to guarantee every child’s right to nutrition and care.
“Under President Prabowo Subianto’s leadership, we want to ensure no child studies on an empty stomach, and no mother worries about her child’s growth,” Mariana said.
The government also reported a significant increase in village-level cash flow through the procurement of local food for MBG, estimated at around Rp 8 billion per year per village in several areas. This shows that nutrition programs are not only about health but also serve as economic stimuli for rural communities.
Gloria Situmorang, Chairperson of the Regional Nutritional Fulfillment Service Unit (SPPG) in Bengkulu, explained that MBG has successfully stimulated regional economies. Several SPPGs utilize local MSMEs to purchase food supplies, creating a real economic boost for rural populations.
“MBG proves capable of driving local economies. By involving local MSMEs in food procurement, the program provides tangible economic stimulus to rural communities,” she said.
During visits to villages, many village heads and parents expressed appreciation for the program’s multiplier effect. Children attend school more regularly due to not being hungry, while local farmers gain a stable market for their produce. In some areas, increased student attendance has been recorded as a key indicator of the program’s success.
Deputy Secretary for Promotion and Cooperation of the National Nutrition Board (BGN), Mochamad Halim, explained that MBG is designed to achieve three main benefits: fulfilling children’s nutrition, boosting local economies, and creating employment. The program targets students from early childhood education through high school, including religious institutions such as pesantrens and seminaries.
“Each MBG kitchen involves about 45 local workers, from food processors and delivery drivers to nutritionists and accountants. Thus, this program not only improves children’s health but also invigorates the community’s economy,” Halim explained.
With a strong commitment to strengthen the program in remote villages and ensure direct benefits reach vulnerable children, the Prabowo-Gibran administration hopes MBG becomes more than just a campaign promise — it is proof of real work in improving nutrition and rural livelihoods.
