Indonesia's Economy Grows 5.61%, MBG Programme Contributes
The Central Statistics Agency (BPS) states that the Free Nutritious Meals (MBG) programme has contributed to Indonesia’s economic growth, recorded at 5.61% year-on-year in the first quarter of 2026. The contribution of MBG is reflected in the Gross Fixed Capital Formation (PMTB) component, alongside the construction of supporting infrastructure for Nutrition Fulfilment Service Units (SPPG).
BPS Chief Amalia Adininggar Widyasanti explained that the increase in the number of SPPG has a positive impact on PMTB due to physical construction activities.
“In the first quarter of 2026, we also observed quite massive physical construction of SPPG, and of course, these physical developments and connectivity infrastructure are part of the contribution to PMTB,” Amalia said during a press conference in Jakarta on Tuesday.
Additionally, investments in SPPG are recorded as part of capital expenditure, both for building kitchens and providing supporting equipment.
It is known that overall, PMTB is the second largest contributor to economic growth after household consumption, with a contribution of 1.79%.
This component also grew by 5.96%, driven by government investments, including the construction of national priority programmes, as well as private investments. The contribution of PMTB to gross domestic product (GDP) reaches 28.29%.
Meanwhile, from the business field perspective, the construction of SPPG infrastructure and Merah Putih Village Cooperatives (Kopdes Merah Putih) also drives growth in the construction sector. This sector grew by 5.49% and contributed 0.53% to economic growth in the first quarter of 2026.
“Construction grew stronger at 5.49%, in line with the increasing physical infrastructure development activities driven by the increased realisation of government capital expenditure budgets for the construction sector, increased private construction activities, one of which is due to the increase in the number of Nutrition Fulfilment Service Units or SPPG and also Merah Putih Village Cooperatives,” Amalia explained.