Hindayana reported in Jakarta on Monday that the number of nutritional fulfillment service units (SPPGs), which provide food for the program, has reached 1,785.
He further said that the SPPGs are supporting poverty reduction by employing approximately 68 thousand workers, more than 60 percent of whom are women aged 30 to 50 years.
“Those who were previously housewives and had no income can now earn at least Rp2 million (approximately US$122.79) per month. Thus, we have helped to eradicate extreme poverty with the MBG program,” he explained.
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According to Hindayana, the program will boost the economy with the help of more than 30 thousand SPPGs set up across the country to meet the target set by President Prabowo Subianto of reaching 82.9 million beneficiaries by the end of the year.
“Each SPPG will manage at least Rp8 billion–Rp10 billion. The budget is quite large; it can unlock the economic potential of the region and boost productivity,” he expounded.
In addition to creating jobs, he said that the MBG program could also boost the income of suppliers that are mostly village-owned enterprises.
“Each SPPG needs at least 15 suppliers, such as for eggs, fruits, vegetables, rice, spices, and others,” the BGN head said.
Launched on January 6, 2025, the Free Nutritious Meals program is one of the main programs initiated by President Prabowo and Vice President Gibran Rakabuming Raka for their 2024–2029 term.
Through the program, the government aims to improve the nutritional status of children under five, pregnant women, nursing mothers, and schoolchildren up to high school level.
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Translator: Lintang Budiyanti, Raka Adji
Editor: Rahmad Nasution
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