Economic Acceleration and Nutritional Strengthening: Nahdlatul Ulama Synergy from Pesantren to Micro-Enterprises
Nahdlatul Ulama (NU) is strengthening its role as a pillar of socio-economic stability through two main channels: empowering small and medium industries (IKM) at regional levels and reinforcing human resources quality through nutrition provision based on pesantren (Islamic boarding schools) at the national level. This approach reflects the organisation’s commitment to achieving economic independence for its community in alignment with the government’s strategic programmes.
At the regional level, Serang Regent Ratu Rachmatuzakiyah has expressed high appreciation for the initiatives of the Nahdlatul Ulama Economics Institute (LPNU) in Banten, which focuses on developing the economic potential of NU community members. One particularly noteworthy initiative involves fostering fossil stone handicraft production in Cikande, which possesses significant artistic value.
The regent, commonly known as Zakiyah, has emphasised that business practitioners are a crucial foundation for community purchasing power. In line with this, Deputy Chair of LPNU Banten Bahroji stated that the organisation has mapped various flagship commodities including coffee, prawn crackers, and packaged water for intensive assistance. As a concrete step to expand market reach, the Provincial NU Board in Banten will soon establish a dedicated showcase at their office as a display space for these locally produced premium products.
Meanwhile, at the national level, the Central Leadership of Nahdlatul Ulama (PBNU) has taken a significant step by inaugurating 41 Nutrition Service Units (SPPG) centred at Darul Quran Bengkel Islamic Boarding School in West Nusa Tenggara. PBNU General Chair KH Yahya Cholil Staquf (Gus Yahya) has emphasised that the programme aims to improve the nutritional quality of pesantren students to develop a competitive generation.
With a target of establishing 1,000 SPPG outlets across Indonesia, NU is committed to addressing health issues such as anaemia within pesantren communities through balanced nutritious dietary patterns that also support the government’s Free Nutritious Meals (MBG) programme.
Notably, the nutrition programme not only impacts health but also stimulates micro-economies surrounding pesantren. West Nusa Tenggara Governor Lalu Muhamad Iqbal has highlighted that the presence of SPPG kitchens at pesantren creates a development model from downstream to upstream. Direct procurement of food commodities from farmers, livestock producers, and local micro-enterprises provides stable market guarantees, transforming pesantren into a new foundation for grassroots economic strength.
National Nutrition Agency Director Nurjaeni has also appreciated this achievement. The SPPG NU is now projected as a Centre of Excellence for transforming nutrition behaviour. With 188 units already operational and hundreds more in preparation, this model is expected to become a national reference and even a model for ASEAN nations. Through the integration of micro-enterprise empowerment by LPNU and PBNU’s nutrition programme, Nahdlatul Ulama demonstrates that synergy between religious values, health, and economic independence can become a powerful engine for national welfare.