The Free Nutritious Meals Program (MBG) has not only provided nutritional benefits for students, pregnant women, and toddlers but has also had a significant economic impact. The program has led to the creation of employment opportunities for 94,000 individuals within 2,391 Nutritional Fulfillment Service Units (SPPGs) nationwide in just seven months. The expansion of SPPG units in various regions has contributed to the increase in employment figures. Starting with 7,000 workers in January, the number grew to 68,000 in April, 72,000 by the end of June, and peaked at 94,000 by the end of July.
As the employment figures rose, so did the budget absorption. Initially disbursing an estimated IDR 1–2 trillion from January to April, the program’s budget grew to IDR 4.4 trillion in early June and reached IDR 5.1 trillion by the end of the first semester of 2025, representing 7.1% of the total IDR 71 trillion allocated for the program. According to Fithra Faisal, a Senior Advisor at the Presidential Communication Office (PCO), the MBG program has significantly impacted the real economy, particularly through job creation.
The MBG program not only creates employment opportunities but also opens up economic possibilities for local communities. Job creation is expected to accelerate in the second half of the year as budget disbursement speeds up. With more SPPGs established and more beneficiaries served, there is a potential for increased fiscal absorption and employment opportunities. The National Nutrition Agency (BGN) forecasts 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 employed per SPPG will be from economically vulnerable households. This strategic initiative aims to reduce extreme poverty by empowering low-income communities and strengthening the program’s operational capacity in logistics and management.