BGN: MBG Boosts Regional Economic Activity Through Trillions in Funds to SPPG

Jakarta (ANTARA) - The National Nutrition Agency (BGN) states that the Free Nutritious Meals Programme (MBG) not only impacts the fulfilment of public nutrition but also accelerates economic movement in regions with trillions of rupiah circulating through Nutrition Fulfilment Service Units (SPPG).

BGN Head Dadan Hindayana explained that the majority of BGN’s budget is directly channelled to regions via a virtual account mechanism connected to SPPG across Indonesia.

“93 percent of BGN funds are directly disbursed from the State Treasury Service Office (KPPN) through virtual accounts to all SPPG in Indonesia, numbering 25,574. Thus, this programme ensures equitable distribution of funds to every region,” Dadan said in an official statement in Jakarta on Thursday.

Dadan noted that each SPPG receives an average of Rp1 billion per month, which then circulates within their respective areas. For example, in West Java, which has around 5,000 SPPG, the fund circulation reaches Rp5 trillion every month.

According to him, the MBG Programme was designed from the outset to encourage the utilisation of local resources, as food needs in the programme are expected to be met from nearby regional production, thereby opening market opportunities for farmers, business actors, and local food industries.

Dadan also highlighted the important role of SPPG in creating new job opportunities at the local level, from operational staff to expert personnel such as nutritionists recruited from the local community.

Awareness of the importance of strengthening the local economy is now increasing, including among regional governments. Many regional heads are beginning to encourage that funds entering their areas be spent on local products and raw materials.

To ensure this runs optimally, BGN places nutrition experts in every SPPG, recruited from the local area. This step aims to tailor nutritional fulfilment to the potential resources and preferences of the local community.

With this approach, the MBG Programme is expected not only to improve public nutritional quality but also to strengthen regional self-reliance and sustainable economic growth.