The Free Nutritious Meals Program (MBG) has not only provided essential nutrition for students, pregnant women, and toddlers but it has also brought about significant economic benefits. With 94,000 individuals employed in 2,391 Nutritional Fulfillment Service Units (SPPGs) nationwide, the program has had a positive impact on job creation within just seven months of its implementation.
The employment numbers have steadily increased as more SPPG units were established in different regions. Starting with 7,000 workers in January, the figure rose to 68,000 in April, 72,000 in June, and eventually reached 94,000 by the end of July. The absorption of the budget has also risen accordingly. Initially disbursing IDR 1–2 trillion from January to April, the amount grew to IDR 4.4 trillion by early June and finally reached IDR 5.1 trillion by the end of the first semester of 2025.
Fithra Faisal, a Senior Advisor at the Presidential Communication Office (PCO), highlighted the significant impact of the MBG program on the economy, particularly in creating job opportunities for local communities. The program is expected to further accelerate job creation in the second half of the year as more SPPG units are established and beneficiaries are served.
The National Nutrition Agency (BGN) projects that the MBG Program will reach 20 million beneficiaries through 8,000 operational SPPG units by August, with an estimated budget absorption of IDR 8 trillion. To enhance workforce inclusion, BGN plans to recruit kitchen staff from families in extreme poverty and lower-income groups, ensuring that at least 30% of staff are from economically vulnerable households.
Fithra emphasized that this approach not only strengthens the program’s operational capacity but also empowers low-income communities while helping to alleviate extreme poverty. The MBG program is not just about providing nutritious meals but also about creating economic opportunities and improving the lives of those in need.
Economic Impact: MBG Program Creates 94,000 Jobs
