Free Nutritious Meals Support Local Economic Growth and National Health

JAKARTA – The government continues to encourage the involvement of MSMEs in the Free Nutritious Meals Program (MBG) as part of efforts to support local economic growth and national health.

The Minister of MSMEs, Maman Abdurrahman, invited small and medium business actors to contribute through a partnership pattern, including in the formation of a shared kitchen.

“With this partnership scheme, MSMEs not only play a role in production, but also get direct benefits for the development of their businesses,” said Maman.

He emphasized that MSMEs have a strategic role in various sectors of the MBG program, starting from the provision of raw materials, production of ready-to-eat food, to distribution. According to him, the involvement of MSMEs in the national food supply chain will strengthen their position in the economic sector.

“This is an opportunity that needs to be maximized as well as possible,” he added.

The government, continued Maman, has shown a real commitment to empowering MSMEs as the backbone of the people’s economy. He is optimistic that with integrated collaboration, MSMEs in the food sector will continue to grow and contribute to the national economy.

“The MBG program also continues to receive input from various parties, especially regarding the need to involve regional MSMEs in its implementation,” he said.

The National Nutrition Agency has prepared various schemes in the implementation of this program, including through trials involving MSMEs in various regions. Maman gave an example that the need for basic ingredients such as rice, vegetables, and meat will be encouraged to be supplied by local MSMEs.

“We have communicated this to regional heads so that MSMEs in the regions can be involved in fulfilling the needs of the MBG program kitchen,” he said.

In line with that, Member of Commission IV of the Indonesian House of Representatives, Rina Sa’adah, assessed that the kitchen in the MBG program needs to collaborate with food MSMEs as suppliers of basic ingredients.

According to her, this will ensure the supply of fresh and quality ingredients for beneficiaries, such as school children, toddlers, and pregnant women.

“By involving local food MSMEs, the Nutrition Fulfillment Service Unit (SPPG) can operate more effectively,” said Rina.

The government is targeting the construction of 5,000 SPPG kitchens in various regions by 2025. The existence of these kitchens will increase demand for local food commodities and drive the regional economy. In addition, this collaboration can overcome the problem of high transportation costs for farmers and food producers.

“The MBG program can be an opportunity for MSMEs to grow. President Prabowo emphasized that the main needs in this program must be met domestically and prohibit imports,” continued Rina.

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