Absorbed by MBG, Traders Can Sell 10 Quintals of Oranges a Day

JAKARTA - The turnover of fruit traders in Solo, Central Java, has reportedly increased since the government launched the Free Nutritious Meals (MBG) programme.

Fruit trader in Solo, Yanau, claims that his sales have risen sharply since the implementation of President Prabowo Subianto’s flagship programme.

Yanau stated that he usually sells around 6-7 quintals of oranges per day. Now, his orange sales have reached 10 quintals a day.

“(The MBG programme) has a big impact, sir. Before MBG, (sales were) at most around 6-7 quintals (per day). Now it can reach 10 quintals (a day),” said Yanau, quoted from a release by the Indonesian Government Communication Agency (Bakom) RI, on Monday (6/4/2026).

They have become Yanau’s customers to meet the MBG menu needs.

“(Orange sales) now mostly rely on MBG,” said Yanau.

He expressed gratitude that the MBG programme has created layered economic effects in society.

MBG not only helps meet the nutritional needs of children, pregnant women, and breastfeeding mothers. The programme also contributes to the growth of micro, small, and medium enterprises (UMKM), including fruit traders.

“Thank you, Mr Prabowo, fruit sales are smoother thanks to the MBG programme,” said Yanau.

Coordinating Minister for Food Affairs Zulkifli Hasan (Zulhas) stated that the number of beneficiaries is spread across 38 provinces.

According to him, the current number of SPPG (likely referring to service provider units for the programme) has reached 26,066 units.

Nevertheless, Zulhas acknowledged that Prabowo has requested that the programme’s implementation be maximised before the end of 2026.

“By the President’s order, we are asked to have it perfect before the end of the year,” said Zulhas during a meeting at the Coordinating Ministry for Food Affairs office, Jakarta, on Thursday (2/4/2026).

Therefore, the National Nutrition Agency (BGN), as the implementing body of this programme, is conducting evaluations.

As many as 2,162 SPPG have received warnings for violating regulations or not completing requirements.

“(The details) suspended 1,789, SP 1 (first warning letter) 368, SP2 5. Total 2,162. But this is ongoing,” said Zulhas.