The Free Nutritious Meals Program (MBG) implemented in various regions has not only provided nutritional benefits to students, pregnant women, and toddlers but has also sparked significant economic growth. In just seven months, the program has created jobs for 94,000 individuals through 2,391 Nutritional Fulfillment Service Units (SPPGs) nationwide.
As the number of SPPG units expanded, so did the employment figures. Starting with 7,000 workers in January, the number increased to 68,000 in April, 72,000 in June, and eventually reached 94,000 by the end of July. Budget absorption also rose in parallel, from IDR 1–2 trillion in the initial phase to IDR 5.1 trillion by the end of the first semester of 2025.
Senior Advisor at the Presidential Communication Office (PCO), Fithra Faisal, highlighted the program’s positive impact on job creation and the economy. He stated that the MBG program is creating economic opportunities for local communities, with expectations of more job creation in the second half of the year.
The National Nutrition Agency (BGN) aims to have 20 million beneficiaries through 8,000 operational SPPG units by August, projecting a total 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 at least 30% of staff come from economically vulnerable households.
Fithra emphasized that this strategy not only enhances operational capacity but also empowers low-income communities, contributing to poverty reduction. As the program expands, it is expected to have a more significant impact on job creation and economic growth in the future.
