By: Made Ariandi, Chairman of the Indonesian Chamber of Commerce and Industry (Kadin), Bali Province

The Free Nutritious Meal (MBG) program launched by the government is a strategic initiative that fundamentally reflects the state’s commitment to ensuring access to education, nutrition, and a brighter future for the nation. It is a concrete step toward building a strong, resilient, and competitive young generation, aligned with the vision of Golden Indonesia 2045. From the business sector’s perspective, this program paves the way for massive collaboration between the public and private sectors to foster inclusive and sustainable economic growth.

Field Implementation and Adaptive Quality Control

To ensure the effective rollout of this program across all corners of Indonesia, a one-size-fits-all approach will not work. The geographical, cultural, and resource diversity in each region demands an adaptive strategy.

Region-Based SOP Implementation
Kadin Bali believes that Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) must not be rigid. For instance, SOPs designed for urban areas in Java should differ from those applied in remote islands or rural areas outside Java. This flexibility allows for the optimal use of local food resources, reduction in logistics costs, and ensures the freshness of ingredients.

Continuous Improvement and Monitoring of SOPs
To address the inevitable differences and challenges across various kitchens, a system of continuous improvement is essential. We propose a digital monitoring method such as a mobile app for daily reporting and cross-audits between kitchens. This would enable central oversight teams to efficiently monitor quality and operational efficiency in real time.

Scalable HACCP Standardization
Food quality and safety are non-negotiable. We recommend the scalable implementation of HACCP (Hazard Analysis and Critical Control Points) standards from kitchen operations all the way to the children's plates. Every stage from raw material acceptance to preparation and serving should include critical control points to prevent contamination and ensure hygiene. This guarantees uniform food quality, regardless of location.

Economic Impact: Private Sector Participation

Fundamentally, the MBG program is designed to activate direct private sector involvement. With an estimated monthly circulation of IDR 1.2 billion per kitchen, the program becomes a powerful engine of local economic activity.

Boosting Local MSME Revenue
The majority of these funds will be spent on raw materials sourced from local farmers, fishers, livestock breeders, and micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs). This generates large and stable demand, providing income certainty for grassroots entrepreneurs. It is a real economic stimulus that directly flows into communities and drives bottom-up economic growth.

Creating a Business Ecosystem
This capital turnover will give rise to new business ecosystems around MBG kitchen operations—ranging from local transportation providers and packaging services to labor service providers. Not only does this create jobs, but it also fosters a sustainable local business infrastructure.

Social Impact and National Competitiveness

The MBG program is not merely about economics it is a strategic investment in the competitiveness of the younger generation. By ensuring adequate nutrition from an early age, we are laying the groundwork for healthy, intelligent children ready to compete in the future.

Improving Human Capital Quality
Reducing stunting and improving nutrition levels will enhance children's cognitive abilities and learning focus. This is a key foundation for creating a productive, innovative, and globally competitive workforce ahead of Golden Indonesia 2045.

Strengthening Household Economies
A saving of IDR 20,000 per child per day on food expenses is significant. For families with two children, this translates into savings of approximately IDR 880,000 per month. These funds can be redirected to education savings, small business capital, or improving overall family welfare. This program acts as a financial safety net that allows low-income households to climb the economic ladder.

Conclusion

The Free Nutritious Meal Program is a visionary initiative that demonstrates the government’s role in safeguarding and preparing the next generation. With strong synergy between the government and the private sector, we can ensure that this program not only succeeds in providing meals, but also becomes a catalyst for economic growth, a driver of community participation, and a key determinant of Indonesia’s future global competitiveness. Kadin is fully committed to collaborating to ensure the program’s effective implementation and maximum impact for the Indonesian people.