Involving Local Suppliers, MBG Programme Creates 1.28 Million Jobs

Republika.co.id, Jakarta - The Free Nutritious Meals Programme (MBG) is making a significant impact on jobs absorption and the pace of the national economy, according to the National Nutrition Agency (BGN) in the latest statistics released on Friday, 22 May 2026. In the report, BGN states that the MBG has absorbed 1.28 million workers directly involved in 29,225 Satuan Pelayanan Pemenuhan Gizi (SPPG) nationwide. These workers are tasked with preparing nutritious meals for 62.45 million beneficiaries, comprising pupils, under-five children, pregnant and lactating women, and santri. However, the MBG’s economic impact is not limited to job absorption; the programme also promotes involvement of local business actors through the supply chain of foodstuffs and food distribution. BGN notes that as of 22 May 2026, there were 142,387 suppliers involved in the programme. Of that total, 59,921 originated from micro, small, and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), 13,306 from cooperatives, 690 from Merah Putih Village/Community Cooperatives (KDKMP), 1,410 from Village-Owned Enterprises (BUMDes), and 157 from Joint Village-Owned Enterprises (BUMDesma). Meanwhile, 66,903 suppliers came from other categories of food suppliers and other supporting services. BGN adds that the MBG programme also drives the rural economy from upstream to downstream by creating large-scale, sustained demand for foodstuffs. For example, a single SPPG requires around 200 kilograms of rice per day, or about 4.8 tonnes per month, to meet 3,000 MBG portions. In addition, a single SPPG requires around 2,800 chickens per month, assuming chicken is served twice a week. BGN notes that each SPPG requires around 450 litres of milk per day to meet 3,000 MBG portions, with each recipient receiving 150 millilitres of milk per serving. The data align with remarks by Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto in his address to the 19th Plenary Session of the DPR RI for the Fifth Session of the 2025–2026 Year, on Wednesday, 20 May 2026. Prabowo said that MBG has opened around 1.2 million new jobs through the operation of MBG kitchens. “From MBG alone we have opened 1.2 million new jobs in kitchens. And we ensure the market, the off-take for tens of millions of our farmers, livestock breeders, and fishermen,” Prabowo said on the occasion.