Jakarta – Chairman of the Indonesian Chamber of Commerce and Industry (Kadin) Anindya Novyan Bakrie inaugurated a Nutrition Service Fulfillment Unit (SPPG) for the Free Nutritious Meals (Makan Bergizi Gratis/MBG) program operated by Kadin Jakarta Province, located on Kemang Raya Street, Bangka Subdistrict, South Jakarta, on Friday (March 6, 2026).

Bakrie, commonly known as Anin, said the inauguration of the MBG kitchen marked a joyful milestone as it represents the 742nd SPPG established by the Kadin network across various regions in Indonesia.

“Our target is to try to reach one thousand, God willing. We believe it can be achieved because more than 230 additional units are already planned in the 3T regions (disadvantaged, frontier, and outermost areas). So today is a very happy day,” Anin said.

Anin added that the MBG kitchen in Jakarta is the first of its kind in the capital city and was inaugurated during the holy month of Ramadan. According to him, the business community has supported the MBG program from the outset, viewing it as a strategic government initiative and a long-term investment in Indonesia’s human capital development.

“From the beginning we have supported the government’s program because it is a strategic initiative with significant funding requirements. The business community must work together to ensure the success of this strategic program, especially since it is a long-term investment,” Anin said.

He explained that the MBG program not only aims to improve children’s nutritional intake but also has the potential to stimulate national economic activity.

“We are paying attention to around 80 million children along with breastfeeding mothers. Every time I travel abroad—whether for Kadin activities, international diplomacy, sports, or business—I always think about how Indonesia can compete globally,” Anin said.

According to him, nutritional fulfillment is a fundamental pillar for improving national productivity. He also highlighted the economic potential generated by the operation of MBG kitchens.

“Each SPPG can employ up to 50 workers. That means if Kadin reaches 1,000 SPPGs, around 50,000 jobs could be created. In addition, each kitchen can produce around 3,000 meal portions per day, which means about three million meals daily if multiplied by 1,000 units,” Anin explained.

Beyond job creation, Anin said the development of SPPGs has also begun to attract financing support from the banking sector.

“This means that SPPGs in Jakarta are considered bankable and eligible for bank financing. Collectively, if each unit requires around Rp1.5 billion, then for 1,000 units it would amount to Rp1.5 trillion, or nearly US$100 million, contributed by members of the Kadin network,” Anin said.

He further emphasized that Kadin will also play a role in strengthening the supply chain of the MBG program to generate broader economic impact. According to him, strengthening the supply chain could create new business opportunities in the food sector, ranging from egg-laying poultry farms to vegetable and meat producers.

“We understand that the MBG program involves substantial funding, and the supply chain represents a tremendous opportunity. Therefore, Kadin is committed to seriously focusing on strengthening the supply chain in 2026,” Anin said.

To support this effort, Kadin plans to hold a Food Security Summit in June to build a more integrated food supply chain ecosystem.

“We want to create a closed-loop supply chain so that businesses involved receive proper support and guidance. We are also studying what we call MBGnomics, focusing on the economic impact and opportunities for the business sector,” Anin said.

Meanwhile, Chairwoman of Kadin Jakarta Province Diana Dewi emphasized that the business community plays not only an economic role but also a social role in delivering tangible benefits to society.

“We believe that when entrepreneurs move together, not only does the economy grow, but hope and public welfare also improve. The business community must be present not only in investment spaces but also in humanitarian spaces,” Diana said.

According to her, the initiative is also a follow-up to the directive of the Chairman of Kadin Indonesia encouraging all regional Kadin chapters to actively contribute to national strategic programs.

“This SPPG kitchen is not merely a cooking facility. It symbolizes cooperation between the business community, the government, and society. From these kitchens, new energy will emerge to build a healthier, stronger, and more prosperous Indonesia,” Diana said.

Meanwhile, Special Assistant to the President of the Republic of Indonesia Dirgayuza Setiawan said the MBG program is part of a global trend of investing in nutrition.

He noted that the latest report from the World Food Programme (WFP) shows that more countries are implementing similar programs.

“The latest report from the UN’s World Food Programme states that last year 107 countries worldwide implemented similar nutrition programs. Indonesia is the 107th country to implement it on a large scale,” Dirgayuza said.

According to him, investment in nutrition has proven to deliver high returns for national development.

“Investment in nutrition has a very high return. I truly hope the kitchens managed by Kadin now numbering more than 700 will become trustworthy kitchens and set an example of how the MBG program can be implemented properly,” he concluded.