MBG Program: Real Steps by the Government to Build the Local Economy

By: Ricky Rinaldi

Supporting farmers and fishermen is not only about increasing production, but also building a better life for them. The government, through cooperation with MBG, continues to encourage local economic growth by presenting community empowerment programs. This program does not only provide assistance, but also opens the way for farmers and fishermen to develop more independently. With wider market access, technical assistance, and training provided, the government and MBG strive to create a sustainable and independent economic ecosystem. Not only companies benefit, but also the wider community, especially those who depend on the agriculture and fisheries sectors for their livelihoods.
The MBG program makes it easier for farmers to sell their crops at a fair price, thanks to government support through cooperation with MBG. With policies that favor farmers, they are provided with modern agricultural facilities and technology such as organic fertilizers, more efficient irrigation systems, and more environmentally friendly farming techniques. This approach not only increases yields, but also ensures the sustainability of farming businesses in the long term.
Not only farmers, fishermen also feel the benefits. Through this program, MBG and the government provide more modern and environmentally friendly fishing gear. Fishermen are also trained in sustainable fishing techniques to maintain fish stocks. With better equipment and broader insights, they can now increase their catch without damaging the marine ecosystem. This step ensures that they can continue to operate in the long term without harming the surrounding environment.
In addition to providing market access, the government through the MBG Program also emphasizes the importance of education for farmers and fishermen. They are equipped with new skills, ranging from better farming techniques, sustainable fishing methods, to how to manage their business finances. Not only that, digital training is also provided so that they can utilize technology for marketing and distributing their harvests. With broader knowledge, they are now better prepared to face industry challenges and develop their businesses independently.
This program has proven to have a significant positive impact on the local economy. The income of farmers and fishermen has increased along with better harvests and catches, as well as wider market access. Product prices have also become more stable due to more efficient distribution, so that price fluctuations can be suppressed and farmers and fishermen get a more reasonable price. In addition, the education provided has further increased their independence in managing their own businesses. The government also ensures that the principles of sustainable agriculture and fisheries are still applied so that natural resources are maintained for future generations.
According to Ranny Fahd Arafiq, Member of Commission IX of the Indonesian House of Representatives, the MBG program not only aims to meet the nutritional needs of the community, but also encourages local economic growth by involving farmers, livestock breeders, and fishermen in providing raw materials for food. He emphasized that the involvement of small businesses in this program is very important to maintain the sustainability of the food sector.
Bima Arya, Deputy Minister of Home Affairs, also highlighted the dual benefits of this program. In addition to improving children’s nutrition, the MBG program also helps boost the regional economy by collaborating with Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs). He emphasized that through collaboration with MSMEs, this program not only makes the community healthy but also creates jobs for many people.
Kurniasih Mufidayati, Member of Commission IX of the Indonesian House of Representatives from the PKS Faction, added that the MBG program has a major impact in supporting the local economy by utilizing local resources such as agricultural and livestock products. He emphasized that the sustainability of this program must be supported by government policies that support small farmers and fishermen so that they continue to develop.
Meanwhile, Acting Governor of West Java, Bey Machmudin, expressed his hope that the MBG program can strengthen the regional economy by involving Village-Owned Enterprises (BUMDes) and village communities in providing nutritious food for the community. He appreciated MBG’s steps which not only helped improve community nutrition but also provided a direct economic impact for rural communities.