Indonesia: Free Nutritious Meals Revive People’s Economy

Jakarta – In the midst of ever-growing economic challenges, the Indonesian Government has launched an innovative program that not only aims to improve public health, but also provide a major boost to the local economy. The Free Nutritious Meals (MBG) Program is a strategic step that is expected to overcome food security issues while strengthening people’s purchasing power and reviving the people’s economy throughout Indonesia.

The Chairman of the National Economic Council (DEN), Luhut Binsar Pandjaitan, said that the positive response to the Free Nutritious Meals (MBG) program that has begun to be implemented. Luhut stated that this program has had a significant impact, both in terms of social and economic.

In addition to providing direct benefits to children, Luhut also assessed that this program has had a positive impact at the village level.

“There is a lot of money circulating in the village. There are economic activities. People are starting to sell vegetables and other foods. This is only one week,” added Luhut.

The MBG program is designed to provide dual benefits. First, providing people with better access to nutritious and healthy food to improve their quality of life. Second, by involving farmers and local economic actors in the distribution and provision of food, this program is expected to strengthen the regional economy and have a direct impact on the welfare of farmers and micro and small business actors.

One of the most prominent aspects of the MBG Program is its contribution to the local economy. Through this program, the government is committed to working with farmers, fishermen, and local producers to ensure the sustainability of the supply of nutritious food.

Local agricultural products, such as rice, vegetables, fruits, fish, and meat, will be prioritized in this program. Thus, local farmers will not only get a wider market, but also get a more stable income. This will strengthen the regional economy, create new jobs, and reduce the economic gap between urban and rural areas.

Member of the National Economic Council, Arief Anshory Yusuf said the MBG program helps ease the burden of household consumption.

“One child gets IDR 10 thousand, if a family has two children, that means IDR 20 thousand per day, so IDR 400 thousand a month. That is almost equivalent to the poverty line,” said Arief.

Arief added that the positive impact of this program will not only be felt in the near future, but will also help increase people’s purchasing power in the medium term.

“Rp 400 thousand is quite large and can help families in difficulty,” he added.

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