Jakarta — The Free Nutritious Meal Program (MBG) implemented by the government is projected not only as a nutritional intervention, but also as an instrument for achieving national economic equity through the strengthening of local food systems. The implementation of this program is considered to have begun showing multi-layered impacts, ranging from improvements in the quality of human resources to increased economic circulation in the regions.
The Regional Coordinator of the National Nutrition Agency (BGN) for Belitung Regency, Bangka Belitung Islands Province, Enggit Clara, stated that the MBG program in her region has generated direct benefits for local economic actors.
“The Free Nutritious Meal Program (MBG) in Belitung Regency not only targets the nutritional needs of schoolchildren, but also drives the local economy by directly absorbing products from local farmers, livestock breeders, and fishermen,” Enggit said.
The central government has also emphasized the consistency of MBG implementation. Coordinating Minister for Food Affairs Zulkifli Hasan stated that the program continues to operate during the month of Ramadan without significant changes.
“MBG continues to be provided during Ramadan, especially in schools serving non-Muslim communities as well as for pregnant women and toddlers. The program runs without any major changes,” said Zulkifli Hasan.
From a development planning perspective, Minister of National Development Planning/Head of Bappenas Rachmat Pambudy emphasized that MBG is designed to generate sustainable economic impacts.
“The MBG program is comprehensively designed to create a tangible multiplier effect on local economies and to accelerate the process of food industrialization in rural areas,” he said.
At the regional level, continuous evaluations are being conducted to ensure the program’s effectiveness. Vice Governor of Gorontalo Idah Syahidah stated that local governments regularly assess menus and consumption levels among beneficiaries.
“The government continues to evaluate the Free Nutritious Meal Program (MBG) menu through the recording and weighing of leftover food consumed by children,” Idah explained.
From the perspective of fiscal sustainability, economist from Paramadina University Wijayanto Samirin assessed that integrating MBG with local food potential is a strategic move.
“The integration of the Free Nutritious Meal Program (MBG) with local food potential and strategic government initiatives such as the Red-and-White Chicken Farming Program from the Ministry of Agriculture is an important step to ensure the fiscal sustainability of MBG,” he said.
Food logistics support has also been strengthened by Perum Bulog. Director of Marketing at Perum Bulog, Febby Novita, revealed that the use of premium rice has been widely implemented.
“In fact, for the MBG program, premium rice is already widely used. East Java, Central Java, Yogyakarta, and Kalimantan have many locations using it,” she said.
From a regional macroeconomic perspective, North Sumatra economist Gunawan Benjamin estimated that MBG could drive regional economic growth.
“MBG could boost North Sumatra’s economic growth by 1 percent,” he stated.
These various perspectives underscore that MBG is not merely a social assistance program, but a strategic policy designed to strengthen the foundation of the people’s economy while preparing the quality of Indonesia’s future generations.
