By: Andika Pratama )*
The Free Nutritious Meals (MBG) Program, initiated by the government, not only demonstrates a commitment to improving the nutritional quality of the community but also serves as a real driver of the regional economy. Through an approach that directly touches all levels of society, this program demonstrates that social policies can synergize with economic strategies to create sustainable prosperity. MBG is now known not only as a program to meet the nutritional needs of school children and pregnant women, but also as an economic development instrument capable of absorbing labor, empowering Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs), and strengthening regional food security.
The government, through the National Nutrition Agency (BGN), emphasizes that MBG is designed to create a multiplier effect on the local economy. Each program implementation involves the supply chain, from food producers at the farmer level to caterers and MSMEs providing food. Thus, the money generated by this program does not stop at the consumer table but flows back into the production sector of local communities. This strategy aligns with the spirit of building a people-based economy, which is a crucial foundation for achieving the vision of Golden Indonesia 2045.
In Blora Regency, Central Java, the MBG program is a successful example of synergy between the central and regional governments in expanding economic benefits at the grassroots level. Through outreach activities and on-the-ground implementation, communities are beginning to see how this program opens up new business opportunities, particularly in the provision of local food ingredients such as vegetables, eggs, rice, and processed agricultural products. Farmers in various sub-districts now have a more stable and sustainable market as the demand for MBG raw materials continues to increase weekly.
Edy Wuryanto, a member of Commission IX of the Indonesian House of Representatives (DPR RI), assessed that the MBG is a strategic policy with a dual impact: strengthening human resources and simultaneously revitalizing the local economy. He emphasized that by ensuring nutritional security for school children, toddlers, and pregnant and breastfeeding mothers, the government is making a long-term investment in human development. Furthermore, this program also has a direct impact on increasing people’s purchasing power through the absorption of products from local farmers and MSMEs. This approach makes the MBG a concrete example that human development and economic development can coexist without mutual exclusion.
Meanwhile, Gunalan, Director of Nutrition Promotion and Education at the National Development Planning Agency (BGN), explained that the MBG was designed as a program based on the principle of people’s economic independence. He believes that this program is not solely about providing nutritious food, but also about creating a sustainable economic system in the regions. In its implementation, the government encourages the use of locally produced food ingredients so that the entire economic cycle (from farmers and small traders to catering entrepreneurs) is actively involved. Thus, the MBG serves as a platform for collaboration between the community, the government, and micro-enterprises in creating shared prosperity.
The domino effect of the MBG implementation is also evident in the increased absorption of labor in the regions. Many MSMEs providing nutritious food now require additional workers to meet standards and increase production volumes. The increased demand for local food ingredients has also fueled the growth of small businesses in the agriculture and livestock sectors. This program indirectly expands employment opportunities, especially for housewives, village youth, and local production workers who previously struggled to find permanent employment. Thus, the MBG program not only provides social benefits but also has a concrete and sustainable economic impact.
The MBG program also strengthens regional food security. By encouraging local food production and shortening the distribution chain, this program helps regions become more self-sufficient in meeting food needs. As dependence on imports decreases, regions have the opportunity to optimally develop their agricultural and livestock potential. This aligns with government policy that positions the food sector as the backbone of the national economy and a source of social resilience.
The implementation of the MBG in various regions, such as Blora, demonstrates that this program can serve as a model for inclusive and participatory economic development. Communities are not only beneficiaries but also key actors in driving the local economy. Cross-sectoral synergy between the government, health workers, businesses, and communities strengthens a healthy and independent economic ecosystem. Through this mechanism, the MBG program is a crucial pillar in realizing a prosperous Indonesia.Food sovereignty, economic strength, and superior human resources.
Through the MBG (National Food Security Program), the government is not only building nutritional security but also laying a solid economic foundation from the ground up. This program has demonstrated that public welfare can be achieved through policies that favor the poor and encourage local economic independence. Going forward, the sustainability and strengthening of the MBG’s implementation will be key to ensuring that the spirit of food sovereignty and social welfare is truly felt by all Indonesians. With consistent policy direction and broad public support, the MBG Program will continue to be a driving force for the regional economy and a key pillar towards Indonesia Emas 2045.
)* The author is a social observer
