Economic Impact: MBG Program Creates 94,000 Jobs

The Free Nutritious Meals Program (MBG) has been successful in providing nutrition for students, pregnant women, and toddlers while also making a significant economic impact. The program has created employment for 94,000 individuals in 2,391 Nutritional Fulfillment Service Units (SPPGs) nationwide within just seven months. Job opportunities have increased as more SPPG units have been established across different regions, with the number of workers rising from 7,000 in January to 94,000 by the end of July. Budget absorption has also increased, reaching IDR 5.1 trillion by the end of the first semester of 2025. Fithra Faisal, Senior Advisor at the Presidential Communication Office, stated that the MBG program has had a positive effect on job creation, opening up economic opportunities for local communities. The National Nutrition Agency projects that by August, the program will benefit 20 million people through 8,000 operational SPPG units, with a total budget absorption expected to reach IDR 8 trillion. To promote workforce inclusion, SPPG kitchen staff will be recruited from families in extreme poverty and lower-income groups, with a minimum of 30% of staff members coming from economically vulnerable households. This initiative is seen as a way to reduce extreme poverty and empower low-income communities.

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