Cak Imin Claims MBG Programme Attracts Investments Up to Rp 40 Trillion
The Free Nutritious Meals (MBG) programme is claimed to have created an economic empowerment ecosystem in Indonesia. Local business actors are reportedly growing and participating in investments up to Rp 40 trillion in the free school lunch programme.
Coordinating Minister for Community Empowerment Muhaimin Iskandar (Cak Imin) stated that private investments in the MBG programme currently reach Rp 40 trillion, undertaken by private corporations to the general public.
“Not least private or public investments, or from the community, investments in this programme are no less than Rp 40 trillion. It’s enormous,” said Cak Imin in a statement from the Government Communication Agency (Bakom RI), Friday (17/4/2026).
According to Cak Imin, the tangible economic growth impact from the MBG programme is already visible. In the operations of the Nutrition Fulfilment Service Units (SPPG) or MBG kitchens, local UMKM actors are involved. Additionally, many local residents are absorbed as workers in the SPPG.
“Now we are witnessing the MPG programme running effectively. Involving many UMKM, the workforce continuously increases in the implementation of SPPG, so we see tangible economic growth impacts and we will continue to promote this from the programme,” said Cak Imin.
The government continues to encourage the involvement of UMKM actors and Village-Owned Enterprises (BUMDes) to become suppliers for SPPG so that the local economic cycle keeps running. He assessed that SPPG has now become a new force in the economic process in the regions.
Rp 600 Billion Circulation Per Day
Meanwhile, the Ministry of Agriculture (Kementan) stated that MBG also provides great benefits to farmers, livestock breeders, and fish cultivators. The money circulation from the MBG programme to farmers and breeders reaches Rp 600 billion per day.
“Every time there is MBG activity, in one day (money circulation) Rp 1 trillion, of which Rp 600 billion is for food. What does food mean? There is money circulation to farmers, to livestock breeders, to fish cultivators, and others Rp 600 billion (per day),” said the Secretary General of the Ministry of Agriculture, Suwandi.
The MBG programme is driving the economy in rural areas. This is because demand for agricultural commodities is increasing. Suwandi explained that the total rice needs for the MBG programme reach 360,000 tonnes in 2025, valued at Rp 5.16 trillion.
Along with the increase in the number of Nutrition Fulfilment Service Units (SPPG), the rice needs for the MBG programme this year also rise to 1.99 million tonnes with a value of around Rp 30.6 trillion.
Not to mention other agricultural products. For example, chicken eggs, the needs for the MBG programme in 2026 reach 1.37 million tonnes with a value of Rp 4.45 trillion.
Then chicken meat, the needs for MBG in 2026 amount to 990,000 tonnes valued at Rp 41 trillion. Vegetable demand for MBG in 2026 is 2.48 million tonnes with a value of Rp 9.92 trillion. Meanwhile, fruit needs for MBG in 2026 reach 2.5 million tonnes with a value of Rp 22.5 trillion.
The multiplier effect of the MBG programme is very large for farmers and breeders. Farmers’ welfare is also increasing. This is evident from the Farmers’ Exchange Rate (NTP), which according to Central Statistics Agency (BPS) data reaches 125.45 in February 2026. The highest in history.