JAKARTA – The Makanan Bergizi Gratis (MBG) program, launched by President Prabowo Subianto as part of the Asta Cita within the Merah Putih Cabinet, has created a positive impact on the economy, especially through the involvement of Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs). This program aims to improve public health while strengthening local economic competitiveness.
Akbar Moujahid, an expert from the Ministry of Creative Economy, emphasized the importance of MSMEs in supporting the success of MBG.
“Through this program, MSMEs can experience an increase in sales transactions. However, business owners must be ready to face challenges such as meeting legal requirements and government standards,” said Akbar.
In line with this, the Chairperson of the Sunan Bonang Islamic Education Foundation (YPISB) Tangerang, Ishana Adriana D., SE, MM, shared that Koperasi Rasra has shown its support for the MBG program through a simulation at YPISB. The Bojong Nangka MSME Kitchen, nurtured by Koperasi Rasra, provides nutritious meals for 950 students ranging from kindergarten to vocational school. The menu, including rice, fried chicken, sautéed vegetables, tempeh, and fruits, was prepared according to the guidelines of the National Nutrition Agency (BGN).
“The collaboration between cooperatives, MSMEs, and educational institutions reflects the synergy needed to realize our national goals. This initiative is a strategic step toward a healthy and intelligent future generation,” she said.
Meanwhile, Professor Sulikah Asmorowati from Airlangga University stated that although the involvement of MSMEs in MBG has great potential, it requires guidance and training, especially for smaller MSMEs that have not yet met the required standards.
“The government must pay more attention to grassroots-level MSMEs to ensure that this program is truly inclusive, even in remote, underdeveloped, and frontier areas (3T),” she explained.
Sulikah also suggested short- and medium-term approaches, such as a tender system that involves school canteen operators and training for MSMEs in the catering sector. This approach is expected to improve the competitiveness of small MSMEs throughout Indonesia.
The MBG program has received a warm welcome from students, parents, and the broader community. One elementary student in Tangerang, Alif, expressed his excitement,
“The food is delicious and nutritious. I hope this program continues,” he said.
The implementation of the MBG program not only improves the welfare of the community but also has the potential to drive economic growth through the empowerment of MSMEs. With strong collaboration between the government, MSMEs, and the community, this program becomes a tangible step toward achieving a healthy, intelligent, and productive younger generation in Indonesia.
Through the MBG program, President Prabowo Subianto and Vice President Gibran Rakabuming Raka reaffirm their commitment to building a highly competitive nation, in line with the vision of Indonesia Emas 2045.
The MBG program is designed to cover various groups, including the elderly and pregnant women, with the vision of supporting the creation of Indonesia Emas 2045. Collaboration with MSMEs ensures the provision of nutritious food while empowering local economies.
