MBG Program: Creating 94,000 Jobs and Boosting Economy

The Free Nutritious Meals Program (MBG) has not only provided nutritional benefits for students, pregnant women, and toddlers but has also made a significant economic impact. In just seven months, the program has created employment for 94,000 individuals through 2,391 Nutritional Fulfillment Service Units (SPPGs) nationwide. The number of workers has steadily increased as more SPPG units have been established in various regions, growing from 7,000 in January to 94,000 by the end of July. Budget absorption has also risen, with IDR 5.1 trillion disbursed by the end of the first semester of 2025, equivalent to 7.1% of the total allocated IDR 71 trillion. Fithra Faisal, Senior Advisor at the Presidential Communication Office (PCO), highlighted the program’s impact on job creation and economic opportunities for local communities. The National Nutrition Agency (BGN) expects the program to reach 20 million beneficiaries through 8,000 SPPG units by August, with a projected budget absorption of IDR 8 trillion. To promote workforce inclusion, BGN plans to hire kitchen staff from families in extreme poverty and lower-income groups, with at least 30% of staff coming from economically vulnerable households. Fithra views this as a strategic approach to reducing extreme poverty and empowering low-income communities.

Source link