The Free Nutritious Meals Program (MBG) has not only provided essential nutrition to students, pregnant women, and toddlers but has also had a significant economic impact. In just seven months, the program has created job opportunities for 94,000 individuals through 2,391 Nutritional Fulfillment Service Units (SPPGs) nationwide.
The employment numbers have increased as more SPPG units were established across different regions. Starting with 7,000 workers in January, the workforce expanded to 68,000 by April, 72,000 by the end of June, and significantly grew to 94,000 by the end of July.
Budget absorption has also risen accordingly. An estimated IDR 1–2 trillion was spent during the initial phase (January–April), which increased to IDR 4.4 trillion by early June, and reached 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), mentioned that the MBG program has had a notable impact on the real economy, especially in terms of creating job opportunities.
The National Nutrition Agency (BGN) projects that by August, the MBG Program will benefit 20 million beneficiaries through 8,000 operational SPPG units, with an expected total budget absorption of IDR 8 trillion.
To enhance workforce inclusion, BGN plans to hire SPPG kitchen staff from families in extreme poverty and lower-income groups. At least 30% of the 47 staff members in each SPPG will be sourced from economically vulnerable households.
This strategic approach is aimed at reducing extreme poverty and strengthening the program’s operational capacity while empowering low-income communities.
