Economic Impact: 94,000 Jobs Created by MBG Program

The Free Nutritious Meals Program (MBG) has not only provided nutritional benefits for students, pregnant women, and toddlers, but it has also had a significant economic impact. In just seven months, the program has created jobs for 94,000 individuals through 2,391 Nutritional Fulfillment Service Units (SPPGs) nationwide. The employment numbers have increased as more SPPG units have been established across different regions, starting from 7,000 workers in January to 94,000 by the end of July. Budget absorption has also risen, 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 Fithra Faisal from the Presidential Communication Office (PCO) noted that the MBG program has had a significant impact on the real economy, particularly in job creation. This initiative is creating new economic opportunities for local communities, with expectations of further job creation and increased budget disbursement in the second half of the year. The National Nutrition Agency (BGN) projects that by August, the program will benefit 20 million individuals through 8,000 SPPG units, with a total budget absorption projected to reach IDR 8 trillion. To enhance workforce inclusion, BGN plans to recruit kitchen staff from families in extreme poverty and lower-income groups for the SPPGs. This measure not only strengthens the program’s operational capacity but also empowers economically vulnerable households. These efforts are seen as strategic steps to reduce extreme poverty and support community empowerment.

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