That means catfish farmers can sell their products, shallot farmers can increase sales, tempeh producers can find buyers, and egg sellers can market their goods..
Jakarta (ANTARA) -
President Prabowo Subianto stated that the Free Nutritious Meals (MBG) program plays a significant role in driving the rural economy by ensuring the absorption of locally produced commodities.

During the inauguration of the operations of 1,061 Red and White Village Cooperatives in Nganjuk District, East Java, on Saturday, Prabowo said the MBG program generates around Rp900 million per month, or at least Rp10.8 billion annually, in economic circulation at the village level.

“Rp10.8 billion circulates within a village. Before MBG, we allocated Rp1 billion in village funds. With MBG, we are adding Rp10 billion,” he said.

In addition to increasing money circulation in villages, various producers such as farmers, livestock breeders, and traders also benefit from the nationwide implementation of the program.

“One village has Rp10.8 billion circulating within it. That means catfish farmers can sell their products, shallot farmers can increase sales, tempeh producers can find buyers, and egg sellers can market their goods. All producers in the village can earn a living,” the president added.

Prabowo explained that sourcing products directly from village producers also helps reduce logistics costs for food procurement.

Under the scheme, producers are guaranteed buyers for their commodities, while managers of Nutrition Fulfillment Service Units (SPPGs), or MBG kitchens, do not need to incur additional costs purchasing ingredients from markets.

“This is the impact of MBG. Hundreds of trillions of rupiah will circulate in villages, urban wards, and districts,” Prabowo remarked.

He said the mechanism differs significantly from a free-market system, in which large capital owners dominate and absorb public spending.

Therefore, the president stressed that the MBG program, together with the Red and White Village Cooperatives initiative, will help revive Indonesia’s economy from the grassroots level.



Related news: Govt to absorb fishermen's catches for free meals program

Related news: Indonesian govt says food safety improved in free meal program

Related news: Indonesian govt says eight billion meals served under MBG program





Translator: Prisca, Kenzu
Editor: M Razi Rahman
Copyright © ANTARA 2026