"We will recruit 30 thousand Indonesian Development Pioneer Scholars as leaders of the kitchens," Deputy for Systems and Governance at the National Nutrition Agency (BGN) Tigor Pangaribuan remarked.
In a statement cited here on Wednesday, he explained that each SPPG requires at least one nutritional expert and accountant to support those appointed as operational leaders.
"Therefore, there will be 90 thousand job positions open to national fresh graduates," he stated, noting that these positions require candidates to hold a bachelor's degree.
In addition to lowering the unemployment rate, Pangaribuan emphasized that the MBG program is projected to drive the national economy toward significant progress.
"This initiative can stimulate economic activities at each SPPG, as it empowers people and involves the purchase of agricultural products from villages, which benefits farmers," he pointed out.
Related news: Indonesia to expand free meals program with more kitchens
Thus far, the government has set up 1,295 SPPGs across 38 provinces nationwide. However, about 30 thousand kitchens are necessary to achieve the MBG program's target of reaching nearly 83 million beneficiaries.
Earlier, on May 9, BGN Head Dadan Hindayana revealed that the government was working on a presidential instruction to mobilize an additional budget of Rp50 trillion (over US$3 billion) to expedite the target's realization.
"We are working on the requisite mechanism since acceleration requires a budget," he told the media in Jakarta.
He explained that the move toward expediting the target's achievement stemmed from President Prabowo's instruction.
"Mr. President said that based on his visit to regions, many deserving residents have yet to benefit from the program. Hence, it is necessary that we take accelerated action," he remarked.
Related news: Free meal program may create 1.5 mln jobs: nutrition agency
Translator: Lintang B, Tegar Nurfitra
Editor: Yuni Arisandy Sinaga
Copyright © ANTARA 2025
