MBG programme absorbs 1.28 million workers, drives the national economy

Impact of the MBG program on the economy arises not only from job absorption but also through the involvement of local business players in supply chains for foodstuffs and distribution of meals. Jakarta - The Free Nutritious Meal (MBG) program continues to deliver significant impact on employment absorption and national economic circulation by absorbing 1.28 million workers. This was stated by the National Nutrition Agency (BGN) in the latest statistics released on Friday (22 May), which noted that the MBG program has involved millions of workers across 29,225 Nutrition Service Delivery Units (SPPG) nationwide. In a news briefing in Jakarta on Saturday, the Government Communication Bureau said the data aligned with President Prabowo Subianto’s remarks in his speech at the 19th Plenary Session of the DPR RI, 2025-2026 Session Fifth Year, Wednesday (20 May). ‘From MBG alone we have opened 1.2 million new jobs in kitchens. And we ensure markets are guaranteed, off-take guaranteed for tens of millions of farmers, herders, and fishermen,’ the President said. The workers are tasked with preparing nutritious meals for 62.45 million beneficiaries consisting of students, toddlers, pregnant women, nursing mothers, and santris. However, the economic impact of MBG is not only from job absorption but also through the involvement of local business players in the food supply chain and meal distribution. BGN notes that as of 22 May 2026 there are 142,387 suppliers involved in the program. Of these, 59,921 are from micro, small and medium-sized enterprises (MSMEs), 13,306 from cooperatives, 690 from Village/Desa Merah Putih Cooperatives (KDKMP), 1,410 from Village-Owned Enterprises (BUMDes), and 157 from Joint Village-Owned Enterprises (BUMDesma). Meanwhile, a further 66,903 suppliers come from other categories of food supply and related support services. BGN adds that the MBG program moves the economy of the people from upstream to downstream by creating sustained large-scale demand for foodstuffs. For example, one SPPG needs around 200 kg of rice per day equating to 4.8 tonnes per month to meet 3,000 MBG portions. In addition, one SPPG requires around 2,800 chickens per month, assuming chicken is on the menu twice a week. BGN also 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.