HKTI: Free Nutritious Meal Programme Could Create Jobs and Boost Farmer Welfare

The Indonesian Farmers Association (HKTI) assesses that the Free Nutritious Meal (MBG) programme will assist in meeting public nutritional needs, driving local economic circulation, and increasing the welfare of farmers.

HKTI Daily Chairman, Bachtiar Utomo, stated that the MBG programme has a direct impact on the quality of human resources while simultaneously providing economic benefits to the community.

“The MBG programme is very good for helping meet the nutritional needs of school children, supporting pregnant women and toddlers to help reduce stunting rates, and improving public health quality,” Bachtiar said in a statement on Friday, 5 June 2026.

According to him, the large demand for food ingredients required to support the implementation of the MBG programme will also increase the absorption of agricultural, livestock, and fishery products. This condition opens up wider market opportunities for farmers and local food entrepreneurs.

“The higher the food demand for the MBG programme, the greater the absorption of farmers’ production. The impact is certainly very positive for the income and welfare of farmers,” he said.

In addition to increasing the absorption of agricultural products, the MBG programme also has the potential to create new jobs in various regions.

The need for labour in the processes of food supply, food processing, distribution, and kitchen operations presents economic opportunities that can be directly felt by local communities.

Furthermore, the programme also provides a multiplier effect on regional economies, as it involves farmers, livestock breeders, fishermen, MSMEs, and service providers within the national food supply chain.

“This programme does not only provide nutritious food to the public, but also stimulates regional economies. There are farmers whose harvests are absorbed, MSMEs that grow, and jobs that are created,” said Bachtiar.

HKTI believes that the MBG programme can serve as an important instrument in building a healthy and strong Indonesian generation, while simultaneously strengthening national food security and regional economies.

“This is a long-term investment for the nation. Children receive good nutrition, farmers become more prosperous, regional economies move, and ultimately, national food security becomes stronger,” he concluded.