The Free Nutritious Meals Program (MBG) has not only provided essential nutrients for students, pregnant women, and toddlers but has also had a significant economic impact. With 2,391 Nutritional Fulfillment Service Units (SPPGs) operating nationwide, the program has created employment opportunities for 94,000 individuals within just seven months of implementation.
As the number of SPPG units expanded across different regions, the employment figures rose steadily. Starting with 7,000 workers in January, the count grew to 68,000 in April, 72,000 by the end of June, and eventually reached 94,000 by the end of July.
Budget absorption has also seen a corresponding increase. From an estimated IDR 1–2 trillion disbursed during the initial phase (January–April), it rose to IDR 4.4 trillion by early June, and hit IDR 5.1 trillion by the end of the first semester of 2025—equivalent to 7.1% of the total IDR 71 trillion allocated for the program.
Fithra Faisal, Senior Advisor at the Presidential Communication Office (PCO), highlighted the positive impact of the MBG program on job creation within the economy. He stated that the initiative is providing new economic opportunities for local communities, with expectations of accelerated job growth in the second half of the year as budget disbursement speeds up.
The National Nutrition Agency (BGN) predicts that the MBG Program will benefit 20 million individuals through 8,000 operational SPPG units by August, leading to an estimated total budget absorption of IDR 8 trillion. Additionally, BGN aims to hire kitchen staff from families in extreme poverty and lower-income groups to promote workforce inclusion. At least 30% of the 47 staff members per SPPG will be recruited from economically vulnerable households.
By implementing such policies, Fithra believes that the program not only enhances operational capacity in logistics and management but also empowers low-income communities, ultimately contributing to the reduction of extreme poverty.
