DEN Survey: Free Nutritional Meal Program to Move Local MSMEs

JAKARTA - A survey by the National Economic Council found that the Free Nutritious Meal (MBG) Program is beginning to form a new supply chain in the region. This program not only targets child nutrition improvement, but also mobilizes local MSMEs.

DEN Executive Secretary Septian Hario Seto said the survey was conducted independently at 800 randomly selected points by computer.

As a result, 86.9 percent of the Nutrition Fulfillment Service Unit (SPPG), the MBG implementation unit, has at least one small supplier around the location.

"On average, there are three MSMEs that are partnered by SPPG," said Seto.

DEN also found that around 64-65 percent of SME suppliers were in the same district as the SPPG location. In addition, almost 99 percent of the workforce came from the surrounding residents.

Even so, Seto said that MSMEs still need working capital support so that they can serve more needs and provide more diverse commodities.