Indonesia's Free Nutritious Meal Program Shows Significant Progress and Economic Impact

Program Overview

The Indonesian government's flagship Makan Bergizi Gratis (MBG) program has made substantial progress since its inception. As of November 18, 2025, the program has successfully disbursed Rp 41.3 trillion, reaching 41.9 million recipients across the country ¹

. This represents 58.2% of the total allocated budget of Rp 71 trillion, indicating significant implementation momentum.

Economic and Social Impact

The MBG program has created 556,735 jobs through its operations, contributing to employment generation. The program operates through 15,369 nutrition fulfillment service units (SPPG) spread across 38 provinces, ensuring widespread coverage ¹

. Economic analysts from the National Nutrition Agency (BGN) suggest that the program could potentially boost Indonesia's economic growth to 7-8% by stimulating various sectors including agriculture, livestock, and small-medium enterprises (SMEs) ²

Source 2

https://finance.detik.com/berita-ekonomi-bisnis/d-8221018/dapur-mbg-di-jakarta-sedikit-karena-tanah-mahal-begini-solusi-bgn

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Regional Distribution

The program's implementation shows varying regional penetration:

• Java Island: 25.68 million recipients served by 9,107 SPPG units
• Sumatra: 8.6 million recipients served by 3,142 SPPG units
• Other regions: Significant coverage in Kalimantan, Sulawesi, Bali-Nusa Tenggara, and Maluku-Papua ¹
  Source 1

  https://finance.detik.com/berita-ekonomi-bisnis/d-8220503/anggaran-mbg-terserap-rp-41-triliun-capai-41-9-juta-penerima

Challenges and Future Plans

Despite the progress, challenges remain, particularly in Jakarta where high land prices have limited the establishment of SPPG units. The BGN is exploring alternative solutions, including rental schemes similar to those used in remote areas ³

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The Ministry of Finance has warned that underperforming budget allocations may be reclaimed if not optimally utilized by year-end. The BGN is working to accelerate program implementation while addressing emerging issues such as potential food price inflation in areas with high SPPG concentration ⁴

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