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. Since its launch, the program has created job opportunities for 94,000 individuals in 2,391 Nutritional Fulfillment Service Units (SPPGs) nationwide. The employment numbers have steadily increased as more SPPG units were established across different regions. 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, contributing to 7.1% of the total allocated budget of IDR 71 trillion. The MBG program has been praised for its positive impact on the economy, as highlighted by Fithra Faisal, Senior Advisor at the Presidential Communication Office (PCO). The program is expected to create more job opportunities in the future, with the National Nutrition Agency (BGN) projecting 20 million beneficiaries and a total budget absorption of IDR 8 trillion by August. To enhance workforce inclusion, BGN plans to hire kitchen staff from families in extreme poverty and lower-income groups, aiming to empower these communities while improving program operations. This strategic approach is seen as a step towards reducing extreme poverty and improving the livelihoods of vulnerable households.
