Economic Impact of MBG Program: Creating 94K Jobs

The Free Nutritious Meals Program (MBG) has not only provided nutritional benefits for students, pregnant women, and toddlers, but it has also made a significant economic impact. Since its implementation, the program has created employment for 94,000 individuals within 2,391 Nutritional Fulfillment Service Units (SPPGs) nationwide. The increase in the number of SPPG units has led to a rise in employment figures, starting from 7,000 workers in January and reaching 94,000 by the end of July. Budget absorption has also seen growth, with IDR 1–2 trillion disbursed in the initial phase, which grew to IDR 5.1 trillion by the end of the first semester of 2025. According to Fithra Faisal, Senior Advisor at the Presidential Communication Office (PCO), the program has positively impacted the economy by creating job opportunities for local communities. The National Nutrition Agency (BGN) projects that by August, the program will benefit 20 million people through 8,000 SPPG units, with an expected budget absorption of IDR 8 trillion. In an effort to promote workforce inclusion, BGN plans to recruit kitchen staff from families in extreme poverty and lower-income groups, with at least 30% of staff coming from economically vulnerable households. This strategy aims to reduce extreme poverty while enhancing the program’s operational capacity and empowering low-income communities.

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