Government Maximizes Local Economic Wheels in MBG Program
By: Nurul Janida )*
The Free Nutritious Meal Program (MBG), which was officially launched on January 6, 2025, has become one of the government’s innovations to encourage local economic growth while ensuring the fulfillment of the community’s nutritional needs. This initiative has received appreciation from various parties.
Deputy Chairman of the State Financial Accountability Agency (BAKN) of the Indonesian House of Representatives, Herman Khaeron, said that this program not only provides health benefits but also opens up new economic opportunities. The MBG program is designed to reach various community groups, especially school children at elementary, junior high, and high school levels, as well as pregnant women.
The government operates Nutrition Fulfillment Service Units (SPPG) spread across various regions, prioritizing the use of local raw materials in providing nutritious food. This approach is expected to support the regional economy by increasing demand for local products.
Herman Khaeron stated that this program is a strategic step in producing a superior young generation to welcome Indonesia Emas 2045. By ensuring that children’s nutritional needs are met, Indonesia’s young generation is expected to grow up healthy, smart, and productive. This is considered a long-term investment to create quality human resources that are able to face global challenges.
Not only does it have an impact on health, the MBG program also has the potential to be a catalyst for regional economic growth. Through empowering local residents, both as providers of raw materials and labor in SPPG operations, this program provides opportunities for additional income for the community. Thus, the wheels of the local economy also move more dynamically.
The government noted that since its initial launch, there have been 190 SPPG points operating. This number is projected to increase to 937 points by the end of January 2025, with a target of reaching three million beneficiaries. In the future, the scope of this program will continue to be expanded to reach 82.9 million beneficiaries in 2029. This step shows the government’s commitment to providing a broader and more significant impact on society.
The Chairman of the Regional Representative Council (DPD) of the Republic of Indonesia, Sultan Najamuddin, said that the Indonesian people who are known to be generous can contribute significantly to supporting the sustainability of this program through active participation. The large potential of ZIS funds can be utilized to cover part of the budget needs of the MBG program. The management of these funds will involve trusted institutions such as the National Zakat Agency (BAZNAS) and religious community organizations. This proposal is expected to be able to create a transparent and accountable financing system so that the community feels comfortable participating.
International support also came from Japan. Japanese Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba said his country’s commitment to supporting the implementation of the MBG program in Indonesia. Japan, which has more than 80 years of experience in nutritious food programs, offers training and sending experts to help optimize the implementation of MBG. This step emphasizes the importance of international cooperation in addressing public health and nutrition issues.
President Prabowo Subianto welcomed the Japanese initiative. President Prabowo emphasized that Japan’s experience and expertise in providing nutritious food can be a valuable lesson for Indonesia. This support also strengthens Indonesia’s position in building a healthy and highly competitive golden generation on the global stage.
In line with the MBG program, the government also maintains its focus on other priorities such as food, energy, and water independence. The synergy between these strategic programs aims to create a sustainable development ecosystem. By involving the community and the private sector, the government is optimistic that it can achieve national development targets more effectively.
The MBG program has become a real example of how public policies can be designed to provide a dual impact. In addition to meeting the basic needs of the community, this program also encourages local economic empowerment and builds social solidarity. With the support of all parties, this program is expected to be an important pillar in creating a more prosperous Indonesia.
In addition, the MBG program also encourages active community participation in the development process. By involving various groups, ranging from the government, private sector, to local communities, this program creates a collaborative ecosystem that strengthens a sense of shared responsibility. This approach not only accelerates the achievement of program goals, but also builds trust between stakeholders. The success of this program can also be a model for similar initiatives in other regions that want to achieve similar impacts.
