BPS Calls The Implementation Of The MBG Topolang Program For Economic Performance In The Third Quarter Of 2025, Here's The Proof

JAKARTA - The Central Statistics Agency (BPS) stated that the implementation of the Free Nutrition Food (MBG) program also supported economic performance in the third quarter of 2025.

"The government's fiscal policy in ensuring the effectiveness of spending, especially through the implementation of the Free Nutrition Food program, will also support economic performance in the third quarter of 2025," said BPS Deputy for Balance and Statistics Analysis Moh Edy Mahmud during a press conference, in an official statement, quoted by Antara, Thursday, November 6.

The agricultural sector recorded an increase of 6.51 percent thanks to an increase in demand for chicken meat and broiler eggs in line with the expansion of the distribution of nutritious food in various regions.

The food crop sub-sector also grew 9.94 percent due to increased productivity and the area of rice harvest which ensures the availability of staple food to support the MBG program.

Furthermore, the performance of the food and beverage sector shows the driving effect of this policy. Starting from the food and beverage processing industry, it grew 6.49 percent, accompanied by an increase in the production of various processed foodstuffs.

Then also household consumption grew 4.89 percent with a contribution of 53.14 percent to gross domestic product (GDP).

"In terms of expenditure, household consumption remains the main motor of growth with a contribution of 2.54 percent to GDP," said Edy.

Digital transaction growth also supports increasing food access and distribution of MBG. His party noted that e-commerce transactions rose 6.19 percent on a quarterly basis, in line with the widespread use of online platforms by food business actors, including micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs).

Reviewing the employment side, he continued, the agricultural sector and the food and beverage industry are the backbone of the absorption of new workers.

As of August 2025, the number of people working increased by 1.90 million people, while the unemployment rate fell to 4.85 percent.

"This is in line with the government's focus on strengthening food security and supporting the Free Nutrition Food program," he said.

The stability of food prices and rising domestic demand is considered capable of maintaining the momentum of national economic recovery.

The government is said to continue to control inflation through fiscal and monetary policy synergies, while increased community mobility also expands food distribution and consumption throughout the region.

"With a major contribution to the growth of the agricultural sector, processing industry, and employment, the Free Nutrition Food program not only provides social benefits to the community, but also strengthens the domestic economic value chain and ensures a more inclusive national growth foundation," said the Deputy for Balance and Statistics Analysis of BPS.