Kadin Institute Cites Example of How MBG Programme Can Transform the National Economy

Jakarta, VIVA – Kadin Indonesia assesses that the Free Nutritious Meals (MBG) programme is not merely a social policy for distributing food, but a new engine of economic growth that is reshaping the business landscape in the regions.

Executive Director of the Kadin Indonesia Institute, Mulya Amri, emphasised that MBG has already delivered positive effects on the real economy sectors at present.

“Before the MBG programme began, we had surplus stocks of chicken and eggs. Now, we are facing shortages, to the point that egg prices have risen. We are accelerating production even further,” said Mulya in his statement on Friday, 10 April 2026.

According to him, this presents an opportunity for chicken farmers and vegetable growers in the regions, as the programme represents a tangible economic boon for them.

“Therefore, the Kadin Institute is sending a strong message to regional entrepreneurs to transform,” he stated.

Benedictus Dalupe, a layer chicken farmer in Kadi Pada, Tambolaka City, Southwest Sumba, is one of the faces of local entrepreneurs who started his business as the MBG programme was underway. He bears witness to how the regional economy has transformed since the programme’s inception.

“We are one of the suppliers of egg raw materials for the SPPG or MBG kitchen in Tambolaka sub-district, Southwest Sumba. We are currently in the development phase and can only supply one kitchen on a regular basis,” said Benedictus.

To date, his side supplies around 20-25 bunches of eggs, amounting to more than 3,000 eggs. In a week, he usually delivers three times regularly on Sundays, Tuesdays, and Thursdays.

“At present, our regular capacity is only able to supply one SPPG; there are other SPPGs requesting, but due to stock limitations, we prioritise just one SPPG,” said Benedictus.

Factually, according to him, 95 percent of egg needs in Southwest Sumba—for household consumption, industry, or retail—are still met by farmers from Java Island.

Following the introduction of MBG, interest has only recently emerged among local entrepreneurs or farmers in Southwest Sumba to develop layer chicken farming. Therefore, Mulya encourages local entrepreneurs to seize this opportunity.