Social Affairs Minister Saifullah Yusuf said on Wednesday the programme will prioritise people aged over 75 who live alone, while meals for people with disabilities will be adjusted according to individual needs, including whether they require daily assistance.
“Following the president’s directives, we will reinforce the free nutritious meals programme for the elderly and people with disabilities by integrating caregiving support,” Yusuf told reporters in Jakarta.
“The scheme is still being finalised, and we hope implementation will run smoothly,” he said.
The Free Nutritious Meals programme, known locally as MBG, was launched on January 6, 2025, to tackle malnutrition and support vulnerable groups.
It is operated through Nutritional Fulfilment Service Units (SPPG), or community kitchens, spread across the country.
Beyond its social aims, the programme is also expected to generate large-scale employment. The government has projected that SPPG kitchens could create up to 1.5 million jobs between 2025 and 2026, mainly at the local level.
Deputy for Social Welfare Improvement at the Coordinating Ministry for Community Empowerment Nunung Nuryartono said the initiative is designed to prove that “there is still hope for prosperity” and that extreme poverty can be eliminated.
Related news: Minister proposes MBG program include elderly, disabled people
“With more than 25,000 SPPGs planned across Indonesia, this programme can become a strategic instrument to eradicate extreme poverty,” Nunung said.
Her ministry aims to absorb at least 10,000 people classified as extremely poor into productive jobs through the scheme, ranging from food preparation and distribution to logistics and basic services.
As part of the pilot phase, 300 participants have already completed training and are expected to be deployed to selected SPPG locations.
Officials say the integration of caregivers into the meals programme will not only improve nutrition but also ensure consistent monitoring of elderly and disabled beneficiaries, many of whom face isolation or mobility challenges.
The government has pledged to gradually expand coverage as operational guidelines are finalised and coordination between ministries is strengthened, positioning the MBG programme as a cornerstone of Indonesia’s broader social protection and poverty reduction agenda.
Related news: RI Govt to expand free meal program for disabled citizens
Translator: Lintang Budiyanti, Raka Adji
Editor: Rahmad Nasution
Copyright © ANTARA 2025
