Indonesia’s free meals scheme generates work for 1.3 million, minister says
Muhaimin Iskandar also called for an end to cuts in empowerment budgets and urged agencies to link spending with economic opportunities.
Some 1.3 million people belonging to poor households have gained work opportunities through Indonesia’s Free Nutritious Meals (MBG) programme, according to Coordinating Minister for Community Empowerment Muhaimin Iskandar.
Speaking in Jakarta, Muhaimin said the programme’s supply network had attracted at least 148,500 new business operators. Suppliers also included around 63,100 micro, small and medium enterprises.
He pointed to the National Nutrition Agency (BGN) as an example of state funding supporting economic activity. He urged other ministries and agencies to follow that approach, using their allocations to raise productivity and help communities become more self-reliant.
Muhaimin asked the finance minister to halt cuts to empowerment budgets. He argued that such spending belonged within core development planning and implementation, rather than being treated as an extra.
He also sought broader participation and geographical coverage for empowerment initiatives. Closer links between programmes could improve access to work, education and business opportunities nationwide, he said, adding that government support should help people build livelihoods rather than end with assistance.
