Free Nutritious Meal Programme absorbs 1.28 million workers amid drought preparation
Jakarta — Several humanitarian developments occurred across Indonesia on Saturday (23/5). These include the Free Nutritious Meal Programme (MBG) absorbing 1.28 million workers to drive the national economy, whilst the Central Lombok Regional Disaster Management Agency prepared 300 water tanks to address the dry season.
The Free Nutritious Meal Programme continues to have a significant impact on labour absorption and circulation of the national economy through the engagement of 1.28 million workers. This was announced by the National Nutrition Agency (BGN) in the latest statistics released on Friday (22/5), stating that the MBG Programme had involved millions of workers across 29,225 Nutrition Service Units (SPPG) throughout Indonesia.
In an official statement in Jakarta on Saturday, the Indonesian Government Communications Agency noted that this data aligns with President Prabowo Subianto’s remarks during the 19th Plenary Session of the House of Representatives on Wednesday (20/5).
The National Nutrition Agency reports that it continues to strengthen the governance of the Free Nutritious Meal Programme through improved food safety standards, with 16,046 MBG kitchens, or 55 per cent, having obtained Food Safety and Hygiene Certification (SLHS).
According to BGN data, the number of nutrition service units has experienced significant growth throughout 2025 and up to 22 May 2026. The total number of currently operational SPPG has reached 29,225 units across various regions in Indonesia.
The Free Nutritious Meal Programme continues to expand its reach with beneficiaries now totalling 62.4 million people, encompassing students, infants, nursing mothers, and pregnant women. Of these beneficiaries, students represent the largest group at 48,350,393 individuals, equivalent to 76.1 per cent of the total student population of 63,574,421 people. Infant beneficiaries number 6,303,775 or approximately 37.7 per cent of the national infant population. Nursing mothers receiving the benefit number 2,066,533 or 75.2 per cent of the target group.
The Central Lombok Regional Disaster Management Agency (BPBD) in West Nusa Tenggara Province has prepared 300 clean water tanks to meet community needs during the 2026 dry season. Demand for clean water is already emerging ahead of the season. According to information from the Meteorological, Climatological and Geophysical Agency, the 2026 dry season is predicted to be longer than the 2025 dry season.