The Role of MSMEs in the MBG Free Nutritious Meal Program Triggers Economic Growth
JAKARTA – The Free Nutritious Meal Program (MBG) launched by President Prabowo Subianto as part of Asta Cita in the Red and White 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 the competitiveness of the local economy.
The Expert Team of the Ministry of Creative Economy, Akbar Moujahid emphasized the importance of MSME involvement in supporting the success of MBG.
“Through this program, MSMEs can experience an increase in sales transactions. However, business actors must be ready to face challenges such as meeting legality and government standards,” said Akbar.
Similarly, the Chairperson of the Sunan Bonang Islamic Education Foundation (YPISB) Tangerang, Ishana Adriana D, SE, MM, said that the Rasra Cooperative showed its support for the MBG program through the MBG simulation at YPISB. Dapur UMKM Bojong Nangka, fostered by Koperasi Rasra, provides nutritious food for 950 students from kindergarten to vocational high school levels.
The menu prepared, including rice, fried chicken, stir-fried vegetables, tempeh, and fruit, is prepared according to the guidelines of the National Nutrition Agency (BGN).
“Collaboration between cooperatives, UMKM, and educational institutions reflects the synergy needed to realize national ideals. This activity is a strategic step towards a healthy and intelligent golden generation,” he said.
Meanwhile, Professor Sulikah Asmorowati from Airlangga University said that despite its great potential, the involvement of UMKM in MBG requires coaching and training, especially for small UMKM that have not met the standards.
“The government must pay more attention to UMKM at the grassroots level so that this program is truly inclusive, including in the outermost, disadvantaged, and frontier (3T) areas,” he explained.
Sulikah also proposed a short and medium-term approach, such as a tender system involving school canteen entrepreneurs and coaching UMKM in the catering sector. This step is expected to increase the competitiveness of small MSMEs throughout Indonesia.
The MBG program has received a warm welcome from students, parents, and the wider community. One elementary school student in Tangerang, Alif, expressed his joy,
“The food is delicious and nutritious. Hopefully this program will continue,” he said.
The implementation of the MBG program not only improves community welfare, but also has the potential to encourage economic growth through MSME empowerment. With solid collaboration between the government, MSMEs, and the community, this program is a real step towards achieving a healthy, intelligent, and productive young generation of Indonesia.
Through the MBG program, President Prabowo Subianto and Vice President Gibran Rakabuming Raka emphasized their commitment to building a highly competitive nation, in line with the ideals 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 the local economy.
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