Through Free Nutritious Meals, the Government Supports Local Economic Growth
The Free Nutritious Meals (MBG) Program launched on January 6, 2025 received appreciation from various parties, including the Deputy Chairperson of the State Financial Accountability Agency (BAKN) of the Indonesian House of Representatives, Herman Khaeron.
According to him, this program not only meets the nutritional needs of beneficiaries, but also has great potential to drive regional economic growth.
“In addition to providing nutritional intake, the MBG program is also a new economic generator in the region,” said Herman Khaeron.
Herman assessed that the government’s steps under the leadership of President Prabowo Subianto not only have a positive impact on children’s health, but also on the local economy.
By ensuring that children in elementary, junior high, and high school levels receive sufficient nutritional intake, this program is expected to produce a superior young generation that is ready to face the challenges of Indonesia Emas 2045.
“The golden generation is a generation whose economy is advanced, fair, and prosperous. We want today’s children to grow into healthy and highly competitive individuals in the future,” he explained.
Herman also highlighted the significant economic impact of the MBG program.
“The regional economy will increase because there are many orders and needs for local commodities produced in their respective regions. This will certainly be a new economic generator,” Herman continued.
In line with that, the Minister of Women’s Empowerment and Child Protection (PPPA), Arifah Fauzi, said that providing nutritious food to children is not only important for health, but also contributes to the local economy.
“The food ingredients used should come from local traders and producers as a form of government support to improve the economy of the surrounding community,” explained Arifah.
Since its launch, this program has been implemented in schools and integrated health posts in 26 provinces. Currently, there are around 190 SPPGs that provide nutritious food for school children and pregnant women.
The government is optimistic that by the end of 2025, this program can cover up to 15 million beneficiaries, and in 2029 it is targeted to reach 82.9 million beneficiaries.
Deputy Minister of Villages and Development of Disadvantaged Regions, Ahmad Riza Patria, emphasized that all needs for the MBG program are supplied from villages.
“MSMEs and cooperatives are all priorities of the BGN (National Nutrition Agency). The hope is that villages can become subjects of development and experience significant economic growth,” he said.
