MBG Becomes Absorber of Produce from 165 Million Farmers
JAKARTA – Minister of Agriculture and Head of the National Food Agency Andi Amran Sulaiman has affirmed that the Free Nutritious Meals (MBG) programme has become an absorber of produce from around 165 million farmers across Indonesia.
He stressed that the programme does not stand alone but forms an integral part of the national agricultural ecosystem, directly linking farmers’ production to societal consumption needs.
“Do not view MBG in isolation. This is the key point. MBG serves as an offtaker for 165 million farmers. I repeat, the establishment of MBG makes it an offtaker for Indonesian farmers, 165 million of them,” said the Minister after a discussion with several Student Executive Boards (BEM) from various universities across Indonesia in Jakarta on Wednesday (6/5/2026).
According to him, MBG’s role as one of President Prabowo Subianto’s flagship programmes provides market certainty for farmers, ensuring optimal absorption of their produce without concerns over oversupply that could depress producer prices.
In addition to enhancing agricultural produce absorption, the programme is seen as capable of driving economic circulation in villages, as production, distribution, and consumption activities occur in an integrated chain.
Amran stated that these positive impacts also contribute to growth in the agriculture and livestock sectors, which have seen increases alongside rising demand from the government programme.
He added that the benefits of the programme are not only felt by farmers but also by the younger generation, who receive better nutrition, expected to make them healthier, smarter, and more productive in the future.
The MBG programme, he continued, targets various beneficiary groups from schoolchildren to pregnant women as part of efforts to build superior and competitive human resources.
“It will make our children smarter in the future, full of nutrition. Then, the economy circulates in the villages. The market comes alive, and the people directly benefit,” said Amran.
He also emphasised that the programme’s implementation has no political interests but is purely aimed at improving public welfare and preparing a stronger future generation for the nation.
“Primary school children, those in the womb—we provide them with MBG. The 2029 election has nothing to do with it. Right? They can’t vote in 2029, can they? It means it’s truly for the Indonesian people, to prepare a tougher, smarter young generation,” said the Minister.