Becoming a Supplier for the MBG Kitchen, Solo Fruit Seller Sells 4 Tons of Melon Per Day

The implementation of the Makan Bergizi Gratis (MBG) programme is said to be enhancing the welfare of fruit traders at Pasar Gede Hardjonagoro in Solo, Central Java.

One fruit trader at the market, Sugeng (44), claims he can sell 2 to 4 tons of melon per day.

Melon, according to him, is the fruit most frequently purchased by the Satuan Pelayanan Pemenuhan Gizi (SPPG) for the MBG menu.

“MBG takes a lot from here. (The fruit bought the most) is melon,” said Sugeng, as quoted from a release by the Indonesian Government’s Communication Agency (Bakom), on Monday (6/4/2026).

Since the MBG programme has been running, he acknowledges that his economic condition has improved due to stable demand.

“There has been an increase. Prices are starting to get good,” said Sugeng.

Sugeng expressed happiness that the MBG programme, a mainstay of President Prabowo Subianto, is underway.

According to him, the MBG programme provides economic benefits to fruit farmers.

He also requested that the MBG programme be continued so that farmers’ welfare can improve.

“It would be good if it continues. Perhaps farmers’ lives will improve a bit because prices are also good. There is an increase,” stated Sugeng.

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 units has reached 26,066.

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

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

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

As many as 2,162 SPPG units have received warnings for violating provisions or failing to complete requirements.

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